Lima is King! but how about 4-3-3?

On August 31, 2012 Brazilian striker Lima left SC Braga to join Benfica. A move in which many Benfiquistas questioned and did not understand. This was mainly because Benfica had plenty of strikers on their roaster.(including a loaned out Nelson Oliveira)What seemed to be ignored was the fact that prior to Lima joining As Aguias he became the top goal scorer of the 2011-12 season with 20 league goals. (just as many as his now team mate Óscar Cardozo) It has now been over six months upon arrival and Lima's performance is constantly praised on the pitch by all. He has 11 League goals under his belt (Cardozo has 12) and proved to us all that during Sunday's home game against Académica de Coimbra, that he can not only fill in for Cardozo but can be Benfica's top striker. Lima may end up being runner up as this year's top goal scorer in the league (Unfortunately, FC Porto's Jackson Martinez is in top form with 20 goals)

 

Although Cardozo is classified as a true striker in which he stays up front, waits, and scores (Also many of his goals are based on penalty kicks) Lima's advantage over Cardozo is that he is more versatile and will run back and often help the mid-field. Lima also can create plays whereas Cardozo finishes plays. Both players playing side-by-side (or front to back) compliment each other well because they both have different roles and abilities on the pitch.

 

Another striker who should also be in the spotlight is Rodrigo. Benfica bought him in 2010 from Real Madrid, he was loaned out to Bolton and returned to Benfica. Last season, Rodrigo scored 16 goals in 38 official Benfica matches. He had a great showing during the 2012 summer olympic games in which he came off the bench most games. The Spain U-23 star played a 4-5-1 and a 4-3-3 formation (More attacking then what he is used to at Benfica)  He started in the Spain vs. Japan match. This season Rodrigo has scored 5 goals in 10 Benfica appearances. There was a lot of talk of him going back to Spain and getting traded for big money but since the arrival of Lima, Rodrigo has not been JJ's first choice on the pitch. Although Cardozo is a goal scoring machine, the duo of  Lima, Rodrigo is definitely a more attractive Benfica then of Cardozo and Lima (or Rodrigo). If possible, I would like to see a game in which JJ starts a 4-3-2-1 or a 4-3-3 in which Lima and Rodrigo are creating goals for Cardozo. It would definitely be a more attacking style of play but I can't see JJ starting all 3 strikers for one game.

 

The reality is that Benfica's style of play is working so far this season. For JJ to start changing formations and experimenting this late in the season may backfire. At this point both Benfica and FC Porto are continuing their battle to be the top team in Portugal. Since week 6, both teams have not slipped from the top spot in the league and it will continue throughout the rest of the season. For Benfica it is important that they continue to stay strong and continue getting these results. On paper we have played a much better, more attractive game this season. It is a miracle that FC Porto are still tied with us for first place. May I remind you that FC Porto felt that grabbing a near 40 year old striker is their master plan on winning the league. Really?
 

Down To The Wire

In a year in which both Benfica and Porto are separated by goal differentials, who would of thought that the Liga Zon Sagres would produce more excitement then the already decided EPL? (At least it was a red devil team winning)

Even though I am a biased Benfica fan, I am enjoying this year more then many previous years. For once its not just a Benfica vs Porto affair but its great to see this tight battle for third place between Rio Ave, Braga, and Paços De Ferreira. I mean for Portuguese soccer fans how great would it be to see Paços get through to the UEFA champions league? For Portugal that is great. The coefficient, and poor Sporting they are hurting but so was Benfica.

The point that I am getting at is although this season (now half done) may have had its ups and downs, drama and suspense, Benfica's story no matter how it will end will be a remember able one.

Who would of thought that players like Enzo Perez, and Nemanja Matić would be carrying this team in the fight for first place. Melgarejo (like Perez) has merged in well as an
Adapted player in a different position. As much as I would to see more of Luisinho, Melga has proven himself to all of the doubtful throughout the season (including myself)

Even if Benfica somehow manage to fall through the cracks ( slip through the cracks?) and finish second, Benfiquistas will remember a team who lost 2 key players to giant European clubs but managed to gain and build a multitude of future stars.

Aimar more then likely will not renew after this season (sorry Pedro) but will mentor guys like André Gomes, Enzo, and André Almeida into becoming future leaders.

Ola John may eventually be sold to an English club for 30+ million£ but will be remembered as the guy who started the beginning of the season playing on the left- bench. He eventually got picked, came on and rocked Celtic and few other teams along the way. Inspiring the likes of Derlis Gonzales and Ivan Cavaleiro to become more impactful players.

Let's not forget the best goalie throughout the 2012-13 season NOT Rui Patricio, (sorry PORTU_GOAL) who will eventually be sold to a big La Liga team and will inspire the likes of Mika, and Bruno Varela? To become future SLB and possible Portugal prospects. (Artur as good as Michel Preud Homme)

I can't emphasize how excited I am to be a fan of this team this season but if I had the chance to talk to JJ before the ever so important meeting at "O Dragão" in May I would just congratulate him for his efforts throughout the season on being the most stubborn man in Portuguese football and in acknowledging his adapted player projects as successful.

I don't know if 4-4-2 will win us the league on that day in Porto but I am most confident that JJ will.