The Magnificent Seven: Serbia Attacks Portugal!

The 2012/13 Liga Zon Sagres has come and gone and Benfica finished the season without silverware. It is no doubt that anyone who followed Benfica throughout the season noticed the excellent performance and revelation of Nemanja Matić the 24 year old Serbian midfielder. Matić is considered to be a hidden gem. After Javi Garcia and Axel Witsel departed, nobody expected this former Chelsea Midfielder to even crack the bench let alone make Benfica's starting 11.

Nemanja Matić is an example of what has been going on in Soccer for decades, The outside player coming in and taking over. We see it in Spain with players like Messi, and Ronaldo. England with it's abundance of African players and the USA with Mexican players. 

The sad reality is unfortunately sometimes the local players just can't cut it and a team has to resort to attract foreign players. It is not to say that there is no talent at a local level but it's sometimes worth while to think outside of the box. 

With the 2013/14 season just weeks away (and pre-season in less then 2 weeks) the Benfica master mind's were at it again. Since Matić, had such a great season then perhaps there are more players like him out there. While FC Porto, Sporting, and others continue to scout players in South America, Benfica have decided to look to Serbia for not only the next Nemanja Matić but hidden gems who are quality players. 

Introducing Benfica's newest acquisitions from Serbia.

Nemanja Matić Немања Матић
Born: 01.08.1988 in Sabac, Serbia
Age: 24
Position: Midfield - Defensive Midfield
Foot: Left
Market Value: Approximately 14.000.000€

-  Nemanja Matić joined Benfica on January 31, 2011 from Chelsea as part of the David Luiz trade. Benfica received approximately 25.000.000€ and Matić who at the time was loaned out to Dutch side Vitesse. Matić this past season played 45 games in all competitions. He scored 5 goals (including one amazing goal against FC Porto) On 14 January 2013, he was awarded with a contract extension lasting until 2018, with the buyout clause set at €45 million

Filip Đuričić Филип Ђуричић

Born: 30.01.1992 in Obrenovac, Serbia

Age: 21

Position: Midfield - Attacking Midfield

Foot: Both

Market Value: Approximately 7.000.000€

- Out of all of the Serbian additions to the 2013/14 Benfica squad, Đuričić is showing the most promise. Now that Pablo Aimar has left Benfica, Đuričić, can not only play on the wings but may essentially be Benfica's new number 10. A position that has not been filled in quite a while (perhaps since Aimar was a starter) Welcome Filip Đuričić to Benfica!

Lazar Marković Лазар Марковић

Born: 02.03.1994 in Čačak, Yugoslavia (Serbian Nationality)
Age:19
Position: Striker - Left Wing
Foot: Right
Market Value: Approximately 7.000.000€

- During Partizan's group stage performance in the 2012/13 UEFA Champions League, Lazar Marković's performance got the attention of many teams throughout Europe including Inter Milan, and Rubin Kazan. Marković appeared in 19 league games and scored 7 goals and rated Marković among the 25 best players in the Serbian SuperLiga. Welcome Lazar Marković to Benfica!

Miralem Sulejmani Миралем Сулејмани
Born: 05.12.1988 in Belgrade, Yugoslavia (Serbian Nationality)
Age: 24
Position: Striker - Right Wing
Foot: Left
Market Value: 2.500.000€

- Sulejmani can very well be another hidden gem in the upcoming Benfica 2013/14 season. He has played in the Dutch league with SC Heerenveen, and Ajax. It was rumoured in February 2013 that both Sulejmani and Đuričić were going to be new additions to Benfica and effective in July 2013 both players have gained their spot. Sulejmani has had UEFA Europe Cup experience in the past with Ajax as he scored against Juventus in the round of 16 competition. Although he has not played in quite sometime due to a near career ending injury he sustained against Roda JC in March of 2012, Sulejmani will be competing against the likes of Salvio, and Ola John for a top spot in the Benfica starting 11. Welcome Miralem Sulejmani  to Benfica!

Stefan Mitrović Стефан Митровић

Born: 22.05.1990 in Belgrade, Yugoslavia (Serbian Nationality)

Age: 23

Position: Central Defender - Left

Foot: left

Market Value: 1.100.000€

- With the expected departure of Ezequiel Garay at some point this summer, Mitrović is one of 3 possible replacement choices. Although, Lisandro Lopez is still not confirmed, Steven Vitoria may have previous experience in the Portuguese league but can he keep up with Stefan Mitrović who has just come off of a successful season with Belgium side Kortrijk in which he appeared in 22 matches and scored 3 goals. Mitrović is contracted at Benfica until June 2015. Welcome Stefan Mitrović to Benfica!

Uroš Matić Уpoш Maтић

Born: 23.05.1990 in Sabac, Serbia

Age: 23

Position: Midfield - Attacking Midfield

Foot: ?

Market Value: 450.000 €

- Just like his older brother, Uroš Matić came to Benfica on the free. This attacking mid - fielder has represented the Serbian under 19 team during the 2009 European under 19 competition. He spent 4 seasons playing for Slovak side MFK Košice. If Uroš has similar talent to Nemanja, we may see the two brothers playing side - by -side in a few games.  He is currently on a one year contract with a possible five year extension. Welcome Uroš Matić to Benfica!

Filip Marković  Филип Марковић

Born: 03.03.1992 in Čačak, Yugoslavia (Serbian Nationality)

Age:21

Position: Midfield

Foot: Right

Market Value: ?

- Lazar Marković older brother Filip has signed onto the Benfica B team for the upcoming 2013/14 season. There is no information as of yet as to what his role will be or the length of his contract. Never in Benfica's history has there been 2 sets of Serbian brothers. Welcome Filip Marković to Benfica!

Steven Vitória, Fernando Aguiar: Benfica Through A Canadian Perspective

January 2013 Benfica hosted FC Porto in week # of the Liga Zon Sagres. Both teams undefeated so far in the season. I often try to catch the bigger games of the season at the Casa Do Benfica in Toronto. Normally during these big games the Benfica house is filled with Benfica supporters. It was Sunday and instead of spending the day with my wife or my real family, I was spending the next 2 hours with my other family, the hundreds of Benfica fans who don't judge me for supporting who I feel is the greatest club in the world.

Sitting at the opposite side of the bar I see an older couple who was being approached by everyone. The woman had a "Aguiar" jersey on. My brother soon pointed out that she was the mother of ex - Benfica player Fernando Aguiar.

Although, I did not watch Benfica during Aguiar's stint at the Luz, I have always been fascinated with him. It is the same type of fascination that I have with Newly appointed SLB defender Steven Vitória.  The connection is simple if you can't guess it then I'll tell you. Canadian Men's National Team. Vitória although Canadian born wants to represent Portugal? however, Aguiar born in Portugal represented Canada. 

It was announced on June 16, 2013 that Mississauga, Ontario born free agent Steven Vitória joined Benfica after months of speculation. It was also reported in the past through Portuguese media that Steven would never want to at at Benfica, although such tabloids as O Jogo, and A Bola are not always reliable sources, I believe there is some truth to this. it's funny how that has changed. It's Steven's dream to represent Portugal and what better way to get Paulo Bento's then to play on Portugal's most popular team, Benfica.

Fernando Aguiar however, was born in Portugal in 1972 but immigrated to Canada. By 1995 while living in Canada, he played top flight soccer in Portugal playing for not only Benfica but Beira Mar and Nacional. When given the chance to play on a International level, Aguiar decided not to choose his birth country of Portugal but chose his new home of Canada instead. I have a theory on this. 

It was noble of Aguiar to chose Canada over Portugal. Ideally if the FIFA rules made any sense, each player would represent their birth right country. There would be no nationalization of players and if you dislike your birth country then you should not be playing on a international level. For Aguiar, who was born in Portugal but came to Canada and decided to play for them he is making a statement that he considered Canada his home. Aguiar's parents are proabably a lot like mine taught us at a young age how Canada provided a better life for all of us and gave us opportunities that we would not have in Portugal. Vitória I feel is of the belief that he does not consider himself Canadian but Portuguese and feels that he is good enough to play with the likes of Ronaldo, Pepe, and Moutinho. Steven has not come out and said that he is not interested in playing for the Canadian Men's National squad but the main conflict that Steven faces is that Portugal has not called him up for any matches.

The reality is with centre backs like Pepe, Bruno Alves, currently starting for Portugal Steven does not have a chance to not only crack the starting 11 but the bench. Luis Neto, and Sereno are showing great promise for the future of Portugal's centre-back positionA few years ago after returning on a flight from Lisbon to Toronto my brother had the privilege of speaking with Fernando's Mom on the plane and when they started discussing her son's career she told him that the worst thing that happened in Aguiar's career was the back and forth traveling from Portugal to represent Canada. It took a toll on his performance and his health. Aguiar no longer plays pro soccer but is supposedly living in Lisbon as a scout with ties to Benfica.

If you are Steven and you are playing at Benfica it is easier to take time off to play for Portugal then to hop on a plane and travel 6 hours back to Canada. If Steven Vitória wants to be an international star and make a difference then he should accept Canada with open arms. I'm sure Steven would have a starting position on the team after a successful 2012/13 season with Estoril Praia in whcih he scored 11 goals as a centre back.

Vitória is not the only Canadian born soccer player who chose not to represent Canada on a international level. Owen Hargreaves, Daniel Fernandes, Junior Hoilett, Jonathan De Guzman, Teal Bunbury (Son of former Nacional star Alex Bunbury)are only a few names who took the easy way out. I am aware that this is a Benfica blog and not a Team Canada blog but the reason my national team is so stagnant in evolving on the world's stage is because it's easier to play on a well established team than to play on a team that needs to rebuild and capture talent. If players like Vitória continue to abandon Canada then Canada will never evolve. Why is the US such a powerhouse now? because over the last 20 years the US spent money on developing the sport of soccer, marketing the product to attract players, and of course they spent money on a coach. Something in which Canada has yet to do. This is a different conversation for a different time.

Vitória has already represented Portugal at the U19 and U20 levels. During the 2007 FIFA U 20 tournament held in Canada, Vitória represented Portugal and was praised by his performance especially by the Luso Canadian communities in southern Ontario. This was the same tournament in which such players as Juan Mata, Luis Suarez, Fabio Coentrão, Chicarito, Giovanni Dos Santos, David Luiz, Angel Di Maria, Shinji Kagawa and dozens more bursted into the spotlight and would become the future stars of soccer. Vitória's performance during the upcoming season at Benfica will determine whether or not he is worthy of a spot representing "As Quinas." Regardless of who he represents on an international, I am much more interested in seeing what the 26 year old has to offer at Benfica.

2012/13 Season Review: Bad Luck or Bad Decisions?

INTRO RANT

I must admit, not to sound dramatic but from the week of Benfica losing to Porto and then traveling to Amsterdam and losing in the Europa League final I began to lose hope. I did not want to talk to anyone nor speak of the events that took place between Saturday through Wednesday. I have no problem admitting that my predictions of Benfica winning 3 titles during the 2012/13 season did not follow through. My biggest problem right now is not accepting defeat but I have questioned my faith in Benfica. Well, not so much Benfica but the organisation and the people who are making decisions that are affecting the organisation.  

As much as I love this team, it is very frustrating to watch this team at times. I compare my relationship towards Benfica as one of a parent to a child. If the child makes mistake does the parent stop supporting and loving that child? You the parent at the moment are disappointed and a bit frustrated with your child but through thick and thin you will love that child no matter what. That is exactly how I feel about Benfica. Frustrated at times but loyal through thick and thin.

By the time Benfica played their final game of the year losing in the Portuguese Cup Final to a 9th place Guimaraes and lost 2-1, I was too numb to feel. I laughed and went home. 

WHERE DID IT ALL GO WRONG?

Let's face it, when we tied Estoril 1-1 in front of 60,000 fans at home on a Monday that was our title decider. It was not losing away to FC Porto in the 92" Benfica did not give Estoril the benefit of the doubt and this tie will go down in the history books as the result which cost us the league 3 years in a row to FC Porto.Not to beat this with a dead horse because while I was crying for the past 2 weeks everything has been said already. Benfica underestimates smaller teams, which is a mentality that got them into a lot of trouble this year. By underestimating Estoril, they lost the league and by underestimating Guimaraes they were unable to win the Portuguese Cup a title which Benfica has not won in 9 years. 

When it came to losing to Chelsea in the European Cup Final, Benfica played a great game and have nothing to be ashamed of. Anyone who watched the game saw how great they played but because they could not score in the first half it made it very difficult to take charge of the game. Who would of thought that Chelsea would score a header in the 92" to win the title. Perhaps a Lima / Cardozo duo to start would of produced a better result during the first half then Rodrigo / Cardozo? 

JJ PROJECT ENZO & PROJECT MELGA

I hope I will not be eating my words next season when I say right now that at this very moment that I am sick of Jorge Jesus. I understand that he is the 15th highest paid coach in the world and to some degree the guy is responsible for Benfica's impressive European performances over the last 4 years, however, JJ (like most coaches) has a massive ego. He enjoys challenges and implementing change. For example, JJ's biggest success throughout the 2012/13 season was his adaptation projects of Enzo Perez and at times Lorenzo Melgarejo. If JJ was getting a grade on adapting players, Project Enzo would get him an A+ and Project Melga would land him a C (a pass but there is room for improvement)

During the January 2013 transfer window Benfica were in talks of purchasing a much needed left back. Almost daily there were reports of players such as Angel (Roma), Ziegler (Juventus), Eliseu (Malaga) and several other names floated around. Benfica have been without a quality Left back since Fabio Coentrao departed to Real Madrid. When a team exposes a weakness ( In Benfica's case it was the left back position) another team will use that to their advantage. The irony in all of this is that even though Melga was adapted into this position, it was a much a better improvement then when Benfica had Emerson previously.

ANOTHER 2 YEARS OF JJ

It was announced on June 4, 2013 that Jorge Jesus will be Benfica's coach for another 2 years. If he lasts until 2015, JJ will be Benfica's longest running coach since the end of the second world war. It is rumoured that JJ will have a more influential role as Benfica's coach. For example; he will have more of a say as to who comes and goes at the club. This can go both ways for JJ. If the suggestion and moves benefits Benfica by winning them championships, then he looks like a genius but if his judgement fails then not only will it cost Benfica championship titles but it will cost JJ his job.

Many have also brought up the point that if Benfica get off to a bad start in the upcoming season, JJ should and will be fired by Christmas time. In the event that JJ is fired not only does Benfica have to find a replacement half way in the season (never a good result) but Benfica will have to pay out the remainder of his contract. I guarantee that if results and success are not met throughout the 2013`/ 14 season, the socios, and fans will not only want JJ removed as coach but LFV will be blamed for another failed season.

Where I do give JJ credit is that he is great at developing players. With players such as Andre Gomes, Andre Almeida, Enzo Perez, and to some degree Lorenzo Melgarejo all making names for themselves this year at the helm, we can't help but to credit some of their success to JJ's development. 

JJ RATING

So on a scale from 1 - 10, JJ gets a 6. Benfica came close to winning 3 titles during the 2012/13 season but could not finish. The season was not a total bust there were a lot of great moments but going into FC Porto with 1 point down, needing a win or a tie was wishful thinking since Benfica has beaten FC Porto only 3 times in the last 20 encounters in FC Porto.

As much as I enjoy bashing the FC Porto organisation, the reality is that they always have a great team. Since the 1999-00 FC Porto have won 9 League titles and Benfica have only won 2. FC Porto have won two UEFA championships,Benfica  only this year made it to the final in 23 years. Although corruption is evident in the FC Porto organisation, (We all remember 2006 APITO DOURADO the same year Juventus and AC Milan were punished for match fixing in the Serie A, whereas FC Porto was not, also what about the ghost penalty kicks given to FC Porto on the last game of this year`s season against Pacos De Ferreira, I can go on and on) FC Porto are always organised and prepared for change at the club within the club before change happens, whereas Benfica struggle to figure out simple details like for example; they knew JJ`s contract was up why would you wait until the season was over to renew his contract? On top of it,Benfica won nothing this year, not even the not so important League Cup (They lost to Braga in PK) is there a game plan to improve for the upcoming season?

On the June 11, 2013 episode of the Talking To The Doll Podcast, we will be handing out player awards. Here are my picks:

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Ezequiel Garay

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Eduardo Salvio

MVP Nemaja Matic

REVELATION / SURPRISE Enzo Perez

MOST IMPROVED Nico Gaitan

BUST Jardel

NOTEABLE MENTIONS Lima, Ola John, Artur, Urreta, Andre Gomes, Andre Almeida