His Name Is Jonas

 

 

 

PLAYER PROFILE

 

Besides not knowing the whereabouts of Steven Vitoria, the Benfica Nation  is intrigued to learn more about newly appointed striker Jonas. His name is Jonas and he's supposed to be a big deal. On September 12, 2014 Jonas arrived to SL Benfica from Valencia and signed a 2 year deal on a free transfer. Although he is unable to represent Benfica throughout their current UEFA Champions League campaign, Jonas will be able to show his merit and contribute in important League and Cup games to hopefully give The Eagles a 2nd consecutive league title something Benfica has not done since their back to back reign 1982-83 and 1983-84

 

During the Portuguese cup game this past weekend against Sporting Clube da Covilhã Jonas netted his first hat trick wearing the eagle on his chest. This is not the first time the Brazilian striker has netted a hat trick. During his three seasons (2011-2014) at Valencia, Jonas scored 36 goals in 112 league appearances including a hat trick last December vs Osasuna. Prior to arriving in Spain on a low transfer fee, Jonas played 6 years at senior level in Brazil representing such clubs as Guarani, Santos, Grêmio, and a loan to Portuguesa. He capped almost 150 games, scoring over 60 goals and has been called up to the Brazilian National Squad 8 times.

ROLE

 

With all of the departures from the squad since the beginning of the 2014/15 season, the Benfica Nation have been worried about who will be their new Talisman as both Rodrigo and Oscar Cardozo have departed. It is notable to mention that both players scored a combine total of 20 goals last season in all competitions. With Lima on the decline, Bébé barely seen and Nélson Oliveira recovering from an injury, Benfica although first in the Portuguese Liga have been scoring goals without the help of their strikers but of their wingers and midfield. More specifically 20 year old Tallisca who is Benfica's top goal scorer with 6 Goals.

The 30 year old Brazilian forward may be the number 9 that Benfica were in need of to help compensate for the loss of Rodrigo and Cardozo. Jonas couldn't arrive at a better time and has been compared to Brazilian legend Rivaldo according to SL Benfica coach Jorge Jesus. Jonas was linked to such EPL teams as Tottenham Hot Spurs, Sunderland and West Bromich Albion. Although Jonas is a striker, he can also play in the attacking midfield role. Jonas has been at the club for only a few weeks and has yet managed to live up to JJ's hype only playing 1 league game, an impressive hat trick in a cup game will only help him earn a spot in JJ's starting 11. 

FINALLY

 

Regardless of who has left Benfica this season and who has arrived, although some may argue that depth is an issue, Benfica's advantage over the other Big 3 is the quality of such players as; Silvio, Ruben Amorim, Miralem Sulejmani, Fejsa, and now Ola John who although may currently not be match fit will soon be and are all players who can provide depth and contribute to another successful season at the Luz. Right now there is not much depth but by the time these players are recovered it will be a great opportunity for JJ to rotate his squad and have more options on the bench to provide rest to Benfica's key players by alliterating the squad and resting key players.

 

There is no question that if Benfica begins to lose points that FC Porto can gain momentum and take over the league something which is a top priority this year for The Dragons. It is not uncommon to see a slip up in a 4-5 point lead. The Big 3 all still undefeated and if Benfica's strategy this year is have most of their goals come from their midfield, as long as the team is playing well together as a whole it really doesn't matter if the goals come from Tallisca, Jonas, or Jardel.

Benfica 2014/15 UEFA Champions League Draw

 

On Thursday, August 28, 2014 the UEFA Champions League groups were announced. Like previous years Benfica have their work cut out for them. In Group C  Benfica drew AS Monaco (France) Bayer Leverkussen (Germany) and Zenit St. Petersburg (Russia). After looking at all of these teams, this may very be the "Group of Death" as all teams are of similar quality and show great talent and promise to advance out of the group stages. There won't be any upsets or surprises as to who advances or who gets eliminated. Besides a big cheque book, head - to - head AS Monaco and Zenit St. Petersburg are not much better then Benfica or Bayer Leverkussen 

What is interesting about Group E is all of the ties that Benfica have with these teams.

Zenit St. Petersburg (Russia) is coached by André Villas-Boas (FC Porto) who is quite familiar with Benfica and the mind of Jorge Jesus as he won the Portuguese League with FC Porto in 2011. Zenit features former Benfica players Ezequiel Garay, Javi Garcia, and Axel Witsel. Portuguese internationals Danny, and Luis Neto have experience playing against Benfica with their former clubs Maritimo, Sporting CP, and Nacional. Hulk spent four seasons at FC Porto and is familiar with scoring goals against Benfica.

Currently Zenit lead the Russian Pemier League with 6 wins and 18 points in the season. 3 ahead of Dinamo Moskavo. In the last two encounters, Benfica were able to defeat Zenit 2-0 at home but lost 3-2 away in Russia. Zenit play a very attacking style of footy and they start Hulk, and Rondón up front with Danny on the left and Shatov on the right. Garcia, and Witsel in the middle and Garay starting in the CB role. We all know it the quality of these players and how difficult it will be to get the win especially on the road. 

Prediction: Benfica will be fortunate to play Zenit at home on Match day #1 September 16, 2016 and unlike their match in 2012, will avoid playing in Russia during the tundra like conditions in February of -30 and will play them away on match day #5 on November 26, 2014. Benfica will win at home if there is great momentum going into this game but I feel they will be unsuccessful in getting the 3 points away to Russia. 

 +3 points at home / 0 points away

AS Monaco (France) is coached by former Sporting CP coach Leonardo Jardim who is also quite familiar facing Benfica as he has many times throughout the years behind the likes of Braga, and Beira-Mar. Just like AVB, Jardim will have a lot to prove against Benfica hoping to score 6 points between both legs. Other familiar faces include Benfica's very own Bernardo Silva who has already played 1 game for Monaco and who may very well see at the Luz (If Benfica are already winning 3-0, i hope Bernardo scores just to stick it to JJ) Former FC Porto players Ricardo Carvalho, João Moutinho, have experience playing at the Luz. Former FC Porto star Radamel Falcão was transferred to Manchester United shortly after the draw took place.  Another forward who has played against Benfica is former Manchester United forward Berbatov who currently has contributed 2 goals on the AS Monaco score sheet. 

Currently AS Monaco are in the bottom part of the Ligue 1 table as they are 1-1-2 sitting with 4 points in the 15th spot. Bordeaux lead the Ligue 1 with 10 points so there is still room for improvement. Benfica will have their work cut out for them in both legs as well. AS Monaco steady cash flow may not be running out yet however with the likes of  Radamel Falcão, James Rodriguez departing from the club, it is creating a few gaps for the French side. Although Benfica fans may be a lot more at ease with this encounter AS Monaco will not settle for an early exit of the Group stages of the Champions League and will give Benfica a hard time in both legs 

Prediction: Benfica travels to France on matchday #3 October 22, 2014 and will then host them on matchday #4 November 4, 2014.  Going into France Benfica's momentum will be up as they will hopefully defeat Arouca at home and will have some sort of Benfica following in the crowd. However, I am still weary that SLB will get those 3 points away but a tie is achieveable in France but hopefully I am wrong and they comes out with 6 points. Benfica defeated AS Monaco in a club friendly at home 3-2 on July 24, 2010, I feel a similar result will be in favour of Benfica at The Luz.

 +3 points at home / 1 points away

Bayer 08 Leverkusen (Germany) Although this is not the strongest side in the Bundesliga they are currently leading their league on 6 points with wins over Dortmund and Hertha BSC. Benfica has often struggled over the years playing in Germany. However, during the 2012/13 Europa League campaign, Benfica were able to defeat Bayer 2-1 at home and 1-0 on the road. There is also a previous encounter in which Benfica advanced to the semi - finals of the 1993/94 European Cup Winners Cup defeating Leverkusen on away goals. Newly appointed coach Roger Schmidt is also looking to make a statement against Benfica. Although this Leverkusen side is not stacked with all-stars or cash flow the way Monaco, and Zenit are most of these players are familiar with each other and have been on the team for quite some time. Such players as lead forward Stefan Kießling, midfielders Castro, Bender, Reinhartz, and Rolfes came up the ranks through Leverkusen's youth system and have played with each others for a few years now. Benfica cannot underestimate this team. 

Prediction: Benfica travel to Germany on Match day #2 on October 1, 2014 after facing an always tough away game to Estoril. It will be tough playing in front of 30, 000+ German fans. Their last game in the group stages will be at home to Bayer On December 9, 2014. Victory at home is not out of the question because that game will be the last of the group stages and if Benfica need 3 points to advance they will have better chances doing so at home then away.

 +3 points at home / 0 points away

For Benfica to advance out of the group stages they will have to be match fit and have their key players in full form. There is still an adjustment period to be made with such additions to the team as Júlio César, Bryan Cristante, and Andreas Samaris. An injured Salvio, or Nico may cost the team especially looking for points on the road. Players like Ola John who are familiar with playing in the Bundesliga and should be utilized. Samaris has experience playing in UEFA competition and has a lot to bring to the squad. If JJ starts the likes of Artur, Tallisca, and Derley in key games, they will not only lose points on the road but at home as well. JJ needs to follow through and attack and not underestimate the opposition. A 3 man midfield is ideal especially if the likes of Pizzi, and Almeida are match fit and can replace Enzo, Cristante or Samaris. 10 points - 11 points is not out of the questions but what worries me is if the group is decided on head to head or goal differential which were crucial if Benfica struggle on the road.

Unfortunately, the way that the UEFA Champions League is set up there is no way that a team like Benfica can go all of the way beating the richest clubs of Europe such as Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG, and Manchester City to name a few. Their quality and all starting 11 lineups of $300-500 Million is no match for Benfica or any other team with limited cash flow. Another decent run in the UEFA Europa League and possibly a third consecutive final is a more realistic goal then a finals in the UEFA Champions League. I was not around in 1961 or 1962 but I will always remember May of 2013 in Amsterdam and May of 2014 in Torino. 

The Lisbon Derby August 31, 2014

Match Day 3 will feature The Lisbon Derby from The Liga Zon Sagres which will take place this Sunday August 31, 2014 at Benfica's Estádio Da Luz. Benfica are going into this match with a two point advantage over their Lisbon rival's. The argument can be made that SCP has had stiffer competition then SLB as they nearly lost match day 1 drawing away 1-1 (Carillo) to Academica De Coimbra and in match day 2 defeated Arouca 1-0 (Mané) at home. Although, SCP have made promising additions to their squad during the summer transfer window (They signed the supposed Scottish Lionel Messi who is 18, and Japanese super forward Mike Tanaka) Benfica have also made alterations despite the departures of such key players as Jan Oblak, Ezequiel Garay, and Oscar Cardozo to name a few.

With the likes of Eliseu, Bébé, and Júlio César, all arriving to the Luz, Benfica are still in the race to be a top contender to win the League among the big 3. A repeat season is possible but not guaranteed. Some of these new additions may have been "on the cheap" or are considered "past their prime" but one thing is for sure whether or not they have a starting role on the squad remains insignificant as these players have a lot to offer to the squad.

In the past I have described newly promoted Left- back Eliseu as a player "who has a bigger stomach then me" it appears as though that he will be JJ's top choice in the season at Left-back. And if Eliseu can knock in the odd goal every so often (as he did this past weekend at The Bessa in Boavista) then he will be considered a "Good Buy." Bébé is another one who despite having a breakthrough season last year on loan at Paços De Ferreira  was never given a proper chance to show his potential. He may not score multiple goals on the wing like Salvio or Gaitán but again if he can contribute the odd goal he will also be considered a "Good Buy."

One player who will most definetly become a "Great Buy" is newly appointed mid fielder (JJ said Benfica needed a proper 6) 25-year-old Andreas Samaris. Judging by his stats and performance at Olimpiacos  in Greece, for the 10M Benfica paid to acquire Samaris he is the closest solution to a missing world class "Box to Box" (CDM in FIFA 14 terms)  midfielder. We understand this is a hefty fee for Benfica to pay after the supposed financial crisis at the Luz, but let's face it (or Fejsa it) Benfica have not had a proper 6 type player since the departure of Nemanja Matić. Fejsa is not reliable. Even though he demonstrates great talent, he is always hurt. André Almeida (although it's his natural position) can't figure out if a JJ wants to play him as a RB or a 6. João Teixeira although deserving of a chance may be too green especially during derbies, Classico's and UEFA competitions. Rúben Amorim is great filler for any position really as he is a player with multiple talents but is also injury prone (Just endured an injury against Boavista in which he will be out for 6 months) Benfica had no choice but to spend the money.

Regardless of the credibility of the Super League of Greece, Samaris played 28 league games, scored 4 goals and conceded 4 yellow cards at Olimpiacos last season. He is 6'2" and has played in the UEFA Champions League and starts for the Greek National Team.

This derby will be a true test for Benfica and a preview of what to expect throughout the new season. We will find out if the new acquisitions will deliver for Benfica especially in an important game such as the Lisbon derby. In the past Benfica had Oscar "Tacuara" Cardozo to step up and score multiple times against SCP, who will step up and follow on his footsteps to become the next "Lizard Killer."?

With all injuries taken into consideration and all newly acquired players cleared to play, JJ's 4-4-2 (because why would you ever play a 3 man midfield, that's mediocre for JJ) will look something like this:

http://bit.ly/1zusOzr

Personally, in a game with such importance I would much rather see Gaitán play the 10 role behind Lima remove Tallisca and have Ola John and Salvio attack and press up on the wings. Also, even though César is a much better keeper then Artur, until Artur loses a game can't see JJ starting César. Also, it is in a derby match in which JJ should consider a 3 man midfield to create more chances against the opposition. 

http://bit.ly/1zuvJby

The reality is Benfica can not give up chances in this game. Wasting time and minimal fancy pants footy is not an option. Benfica need to play aggressive and continuously press the ball forward by strengthening their midfield and not allowing SCP to win balls in the mid. SCP will play their best 11 which include a strong 3 man midfield with William Carvalho in the box to box mid role (at this rate he may be sold to Arsenal before the game, but just to stick it to Benfica he may be his last game in the derby) regardless, Adrien Silva and André Martins are a strong duo in the midfield and will most definetly start. Nani will make his return to the Luz and even though he missed the recent PK against Arouca, he will definitely do his best to make a statement at the Luz. Other key players include Freddy Monteiro (who scored a lovely offside goal in last year's derby) Carillo, Slimani, and 20-year-old forward Carlos Mané.

Benfica are looking for their fourth consecutive win to continue their momentum into the 2014/15 season. Benfica may be without their gum chewing, cheeky coach Jorge Jesus as he will face possible match bans after this weekend's behaviour during the Boavista game. As long as a win comes in their way, it really won't matter who is coaching this team at the Luz. Benfica fans are expecting a winning result in this derby. Let's just hope the roof stays in tact for this one.

Benfica B 2014/15 Preview Season

Helder Cristovão's Benfica B side is looking to improve from last season's 5th place spot to hopefully a first place spot in the Segunda Liga Portuguesa. Results as of late have been prolific to say the least. The B Teams pre season matches included a semi - finalist position in the Lev Yashin Tournament held in Russia. On July 24, 2014 Benfica B lost to Dinamo Moscow B in PK's. Other results included a 4-3 victory against Ajax B, 2-1 against Mérida and drew 1-1 to Extremadure UD. Their momentum carried onto the first game of the season on August 9 in which they defeated Trofense 3-2 at The Seixal. Goals came from future Benfica first - team prospects Rui Fonte, João Teixeira, and Ruben Pinto.

Although B Teams are not eligible for promotion or have eligibility participating in league or cup games, the main focus and purpose for a B team is player development for the future main squad.With the recent promotion of 10 Benfica Juniors to the B squad, there is no doubt that this team is a more younger squad then previous seasons. Players like Nuno Santos, Gonçalo Guedes, and Thierry Graça all have great potential and talents and may very well end up on Benfica's main squad sooner then later if given a proper chance to play. 

Additions To Benfica B 2014/15

Thierry Graça (Benfica Juniores) GK

Pedro Rebocho  (Benfica Juniores) D

Alexandre Alfaiate (Benfica Juniores D

João Nunes (Benfica Juniores D

Sérginho (Bragança) D

Didi ??? M

Rochinha  (Benfica Juniores) M

Raphael Guzzo  (Benfica Juniores) M

Pawel Dawidowicz (Lechia Gdańsk) M

Nuno Santos (Benfica Juniores) F

Gonçalo Guedes (Benfica Juniores) F

Romário Baldé  (Benfica Juniores) F

Kevin Friesenbichler (Bayern Munich B) F

Subtractions To Benfica 2014/15

Mika (Boavista) GK

Stefan Mitrović (Freiburg) D

Huang Wei (Farense) D

Rafael Ramos (Orlando City in 2015) D

Estrela (Orlando City in 2015) D

André Gomes (Valencia) M

Uroš Matič (NAC Breda) M

Jorge Rojas (Gimnasia La Plata) M

Bernardo Silva (AS Monaco) M

Rogelio Funes Mori (Eskişehirspor) F

Clésio (Harrisburg City Islanders) F

Ivan Cavaleiro (Deportivo De La Coruña) F

Impact Players 

Outside of Portugal, the B team has Pawel Dawidowicz the 19 year old was acquired in which we first thought was going to be a replacement to the always injured Lubjimor Fejsa. He has height but still needs to gain experience and will have a lot to compete for if he wants to gain a spot against João Teixeira. The talk of this B team thus far is Kevin Friesenbichler who has recently arrived from Bayern Munich B. The Austrian forward has scored against Ajax B, Setubal, and was active during the Lev Yashin Tournament. If Benfica's main team continues to lose more strikers throughout the up and coming season we may very well see the young 19 year old get an opportunity for some minutes if not in a league game then in a cup game. 

Another player who may also see some main team league or cup action is 20 year old Swede Victor Nilsson-Lindelöf who is beginning his third season on Benfica and was called up to play 25 minutes in the "Classico" as FC Porto defeated Benfica 2-1 on the very last game of the season. Lindelöf is almost 6'2" and is versatile and can be positioned as CB or in a 6 type of role. He played 33 games last season on the B team and scored 2 goals but conceded 5 yellow cards and 2 red cards. 

Made In Benfica

Perhaps the biggest disappointment is that Benfica B's João Teixeira may not be in the plans of Benfica;s main squad this season. He will however continue his great form that he started during the pre season and continue to not only put his name on the score sheet but show his aggression in creating opportunities for his team. With the likes of Enzo, Amorim, Tallisca, and possibly Almeida available, Teixeira may have to wait around another year to gain a spot on the main team. 

Any of the newly promoted Benfica Juniors will play a great part of the 2014/15 season if they are given a chance. In terms of the first choice as Goal Keeper, although Bruno Varela may be the first in line we may see an emergence to the main squad as either a starter or back up to Artur. This will leave a spot to open up to either Thierry Graça, (UEFA Youth League Semi - Finalist) Miguel Santos, or André Ferreira. 

Experienced but not yet veterans to the squad such as Helder Costa, Ruben Pinto will continue to lead the team forward into a successful campaign and hopefully use their experience on the B team to help the newly promoted Juniors settle in. One of the biggest defaults of this team last season was not their lack of goals but their ability to allow in so many goals. If this team can focus as much on defending as they do on attacking hopefully they can diminish some of those countless errors on the back and go from being a top 5 team to the top team in the Segunda Liga Portuguesa. 

Força Benfica B!

The Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira

 

 

The Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira will be held Sunday August 10, 2014 at the in Aveiro, Portugal. Benfica will face Rio Ave in the hopes of gaining their fifth Supertaça. (Benfica have won 1980, 1985, 1989, 2005) Although Benfica only managed to win 2 out of their 9 pre - season matches, The Benfica Nation are putting those results aside for the start of the 2014/15 season. Many critics and even coach Jorge Jesus have referred to these pre - season games as unimportant or as JJ puts it "Jogos de treino." (Training matches)

 

Benfica goes into this match with the advantage over Rio Ave as they have defeated them in all 4 encounters during the 2013/14 season. In fact, Rio Ave last beat Benfica on April 10, 2005. Rio Ave is now coached by ex - Maritimo coach Pedro Martins who on match day #1 last season managed to beat Benfica 2-1 while coaching Maritimo. Although Rio Ave may not have the best track record against Benfica, they are doing their homework and won't lie down letting this prestigious cup slip out of their hands.

 

For those of who don't know (as I did) Cândido de Oliveira was the first ever documented captain for the Portuguese National Team in 1921.This Super Cup came into play in the 1943/44 season when it was known as the Taça and in 1979 The Portuguese Football Federation renamed it Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira. Until 2000, this Cup was played on a home and away legs but has now become a single match to start the beginning of the season on a neutral ground.

 

Going into this match Benfica has to focus on the prize on hand and that is winning their fifth Supertaça. Although Benfica has had many exits during the pre-season, they have been many new arrivals who have a lot to offer to the squad. There are still injuries and absentee's going into this game but if Benfica plays their best 11 and does not underestimate Rio Ave, the title will be ours.

 

http://bit.ly/1q2vDCP (Click here to see my starting 11)

 

Benfica's strongest weakness during this pre-season has been experienced goal keeper Artur. Artur's performance has been atrocious. Since Oblak's transfer to Atletico Madrid, Artur was given the opportunity to prove himself to become Benfica's top goalie yet again but he get's an "F" for his efforts. If Benfica loses this sunday it won't be any one's fault but Artur. At this point my biggest fear is coming true and that is Benfica without a proper goal keeper to represent them during the 2014/15 season. If no one of quality arrives sooner then later at The Luz can JJ please #GiveBrunoVarelaAChance

Goodbye, Tacuara (via Benfica Podcast)

http://benficapodcast.com/?p=438

JJ Is A Fan Of Eliseu... Let's Hope He's Right On This One

Finally another new signing to the Luz has arrived. Meet 30 year old left back/ winger (Another Winger?) Eliseu acquired to Benfica from CF Málaga. on July 24, 2014 Eliseu signed a 2 year contract to Benfica worth approximately 1.5M €.The Eliseu signing has JJ written all over this deal. Back in 2007 Jesus was Eliseu' coach on CF Belenenses. Supposedly JJ has wanted Eliseu to join Benfica for the last 3 seasons. As mentioned during his interview with Benfica TV, the 30 year old from Terceira mentioned that it was a "Childhood Dream"(of course  his family was all Benfica also) to play at Benfica. I've heard many Portuguese players say that over the years upon arriving at The Luz. Whether there is truth to his interview or not he has the respect of the coach and hopefully will prove his worth to the fans and to his team.

Eliseu may very well take over the starting role throughout the 2014/15 season as Benfica's main left-back considering JJ will most likely favour him over Lloris Benito and Djavan who has supposedly departed for SC Braga. Although he is primarily a left-back he has often played as a winger and there was a time last season at Málaga, that due to injuries he was playing in the right back position.

The Reality

Eliseu started his career in Portugal and has played throughout Europe representing such clubs as Málaga, Lazio, and Zaragoza (brief loan deal). His best years were at Málaga in which he caped approximately 190 league games scoring nearly 20 goals. Eliseu has UEFA Champions League experience. While representing Málaga during the 2012/13 campaign he netted a brace against RSC Anderlecht.However, if JJ is confident in his abilities and is able to bring out the best in him perhaps this was not a bad move after all for Benfica. JJ has the ability to turn improve a player's performance or better yet bring out the best in potential talent (i.e. Enzo, Matic, etc.)

 

Concerns

Considering Benfica paid next to nothing for Eliseu how great is his current form? Fatigue? Injury prone? Weight issues? At almost 31 how much longevity will Eliseu have at Benfica? Can he help win games especially against FC Porto, Sporting (which I may add with their recent signings in the pre-season they are all looking for a fight) Can Eliseu go toe to toe with the big boys in UEFA competition ? We knew Siqueira could but he is no longer an option.

It's great and all to have another Portuguese player on the squad and I hope whatever doubts we have about Eliseu are put to rest. What worries me is that Benfica spent more money acquiring a young full back in Benito and I feel JJ will play favorites and stubbornly pick only Eliseu and not give young Benito a chance. This and more to unfold in the up and coming weeks.