Jiménez vs Mitroglu

If you were only allowed to keep one of these Benfica strikers to continue on at the club who would you choose between Raúl Jiménez and Kostas Mitroglu?

Although, Jonas has been Benfica's (and the Liga NOS) top Talisman with 18 goals in 18 league matches, both Jiménez and Mitroglu have contributed their fair share of goals this season for the Eagles. 

After a loan deal to West Ham gone wrong, Raúl Jiménez missed his flight to London and found himself taking the advice of his agent Jorge Mendes as he signed a five year contract to Benfica. Benfica purchased Raúl Jiménez for 1 Million Euros while acquiring 50 per cent of the players rights for 3 Million, and with an agreement to share the player's salary with his former club Atletico de Madrid. While at Atletico during the 2014/15 season Raúl  played in 21 league matches where he scored 1 goal. Prior to his arrival in Spain, Raúl played 3 season with Mexican side America where he scored 36 goals in 96 matches. 

During the 2015/16 season Raúl has 6 goals and 4 assists in 26 games in all competitions. Raúl was a big saviour during the Group stages of the UEFA Champions League in which he netted an impressive brace away to Astana during a 2-2 match. Raúl has 3 goals in the Liga NOS and 1 goal in the League Cup.  In total he has played 1114 minutes this season. 

After having a successful loan season previously to his former club Olimpiacos, 27 year old Striker Kostas Mitroglu joined Benfica on a season long loan with Benfica (with an option to buy) until June 2016. It was rumoured during the pre-season that Sporting CP were interested in Mitroglu but when Benfica showed interest in the 40+ caped Greek International he "Did not think twice" 

(“Nem pensei duas vezes”)

Although Mitroglu has been considered a failure since his move from Olimpiacos to English Premier League side Fulham originally in 2014, he managed to score 19 goals in 32 league games during his loan at Olimpiacos, Mitroglu has adopted the name "Mitro Golo" in his short time this season at Benfica. He has scored 10 goals and assisted 2 goals in 26 games in all competitions and in total has played 1523 minutes. 7 of those goals are in League matches, 2 in Champions League, 1 in the Portuguese Cup. Mitroglu is Benfica's second best scorer this season. 

It does not look like Raúl will be leaving Benfica anytime soon since he has just arrived for 5 years but if there was an option the numbers speak for themselves. Mitrogolo should remain at the club and Benfica should go ahead and pursue the option to buy even they need to pay his estimate worth of approximately 9 million €. 

Benfica does have other forwards on loan and several future "Made In Benfica" prospects as options, however Mitroglu is still at a great age of 27 and still has a lot to offer in his career. There may also be a possibility that Raúl at age 24 may develop into a top player as he beats Mitroglu in stamina and can play a full 90 minute game at full speed. 

Based on the current numbers Mitroglu is the best choice as of right now but as he gets older in 3-5 years, Raúl will still be younger and Mitroglu may possibly become less fit or injury prone then as of right now, 

Benfica Welcomes Ivan Saponjic

SL Benfica have signed 18 year old Partizan Forward Ivan Saponjic. During the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup, Ivan Saponjic was part of the winning Serbian side. Although, Ivan Saponjic is only 18 years old, he has already had great exposure and achievements in such a short amount of time. At barely 16 Ivan Saponjic made his professional debut with Partizan Belgrade in the Serbian League. He scored 7 goals in 32 appearances and netted a brace during a UEFA Champions League playoff match against BATE Borisov on August 26, 2015.

There is no telling as to what plans Rui Vitoria has for Ivan Saponjic for the remainder of the 2015/16 season. Currently Jonas is Benfica's (and the Liga's) top Forward with 18 goals in 17 appearances. Mitroglu has 5 goals and Raul has 3 unless there are major injuries or departures during the January transfer window, it is unlikely that Ivan Saponjic may see any minutes on Benfica's main squad this season. There are also such Forwards as; Hildeberto Perreira (19 years old), Diogo Goncalves (18 years old), Oliver Šarkić (18 years old) are also looking for a window of opportunity to prove themselves worthy on Benfica's main squad. 

Nelson Oliveira In 2015/16

Just shortly after the arrival of Benfica coach Rui Vitoria in July, 2015 an article was featured on the Benfica Podcast website (written by your truly) regarding the future of "Made In Benfica" Forward Nelson Oliveira. In this article it was mentioned that with the arrival of a new coach that Nelson Oliveira may finally get the chance that he has been fighting for and was unable to get during the six year reign of Jorge Jesus. 

Nelson Oliveira has crossed paths with Rui Vitoria during his time as a youth player at Benfica and while Oliveira was on loan to Pacos de Ferreira during the 2010/11 season. Although Vitoria speaks highly of the still young 24 year-old forward while the 2015/16 season approached there was simply no room for Oliveira especially with such forwards arriving as Raul Jimenez, and Kostas Mitroglu. 

Once again for a sixth consecutive season Nelson Oliveira finds himself at another loan spell but this time it is at England League Championship side Nottingham Forrest. Forrest is a historic team who not only plays a part in the history of footy in England but they have also won back to back UEFA European Cups and one Super Cup. 

In 15 appearances at Forrest, Nelson Oliveira has become their top scorer with 6 goals. There is still no uncertainty as to what the future holds for Nelson Oliveira. Oliveira was recently called up by Fernando Santos to represent Portugal in a friendly against Luxembourg. At this work rate if Portugal is without a forward by Euro 2016 there may be a chance that Oliveira may get the call up (His competitors are; Lucas Joao, Eder, Rui Fonte, Ukra, and an injury prone Hugo Almeida) 

In regards to Benfica, Nelson Oliveira's contract expires June 30, 2016. There is currently no discussion as to whether or not Benfica will renew Oliveira's contract. Oliveira would not be the first "Made In Benfica" to move on from the club.(Look at his former team mates as Miguel Rosa, David Simao, and Mika are all in reputable first division sides in Portugal) A Portuguese striker is always well appreciated by Benfica however with Jonas, Raul, and a possible Mitroglu signing, Oliveira may have to once again fight to prove himself for a spot in the club's future.