Looking at the Squad

With the first game of the season a mere 5 days away, It's time to take a look at the squad. Benfica currently has 27 players on their squad, 2 more than what Quique had originally stated he wanted to work with. The transfer window closes on August 31st, and it's very probable that(at least)one more player is yet to come.

The Luis Garcia saga continues, as he is Quique's number one choice, but I believe Benfica currently has a plan B and a C, in case Garcia fails.

Keepers - Quim, Moreira and Moretto.
In my opinion, a well rounded trio, as any one of them can be a starter. Quim is currently the best Portuguese keeper, and it'll be tough to beat him to the number 1 spot, but both Moreira and Moretto will be working hard to deserve a shot.
With the League Cup and the Portuguese Cup, Quique might very well give both backups a chance. With the realistic possibility of being Portugal's number 1, Quim knows he needs to continue to work hard and perform the same way he did last year, judging by the Inter game, Quim seems to be close to that level. The big question for the goalkeeping sector is, who will be #2? Not who will be the starter.

Defenders

Left side - Leo and Jorge Ribeiro
Leo is without a doubt the best left full back playing in Portugal, let's hope he remains injury free, and that he continues to be the great professional he is. Certainly with the contract renewal issue out of the way, Leo can concentrate on what's most important - the team.
Jorge Ribeiro is his back up, and in my eyes the only thing he brings more than Sepsi is experience. His actions towards Benfica in the past, have a big part of the fans against his acquisition. He has a long road ahead of him, first to be a worthy substitute, secondly to make peace with the fans.

Right Side - Maxi Pereira and Nelson
The right side of the defense is Benfica's weakest position, Nelson was plagued by injuries last season, Luis Felipe was just atrocious, and now there's Maxi, who plays right back for his national team, but is far from being a stellar player. Nonetheless, Maxi brings a bit more consistence to the right side of the defense, he might not be your modern wing back, but when it comes to defending, he gives a solid contribution.
Nelson, who continues to fight back to full health, will need more consistency in his game if he is to be the starter. His quickness and good services from the touchline, make him the ideal right back, but his oscillating performances bring vulnerability to the position.

Center - Luisao, David Luiz, Sidnei, Miguel Vitor and Edcarlos
Along with the right side of the defense, the middle was one of the sectors that lacked consistency, and the solidity of years past. Luisao is the leader of this defense, and one of the team leaders, but his last year was probably one of his worst years since he's been at Benfica. He will need to remain injury free and focused on Benfica if he is to be a starter.
David Luiz is coming off a debilitating foot injury, and is still lacking competitive rhythm, he can very well grab the starting spot next to Luisao, but I very much doubt he will be ready to go this Sunday. He needs a bit more time.
Sidnei is the new face, he will need to go through his adaptation period, before he can start. He has considerable talent and is still young, he will emerge some time this season.
Miguel Vitor is Benfica's formation product, the only promoted Junior to make the squad. His chances will be scarce and far between, but making the squad should serve as encouragement to continue to work hard. He did get some starts under Camacho, last season, when Luisao and David Luiz were hurt, so he is no stranger to pressure and starting, he was also tested at right back during the Guimaraes tournament. Edcarlos is not at the same level as any of these players and he should be one of the players cut before the 31st of August. If his poor performances last season weren't proof enough, he cleared up any doubts with his pre-season performances.
Also able to play in the center of the defense is Katsouranis, who will most likely fill in until David Luiz is competition ready.

Midfield
Defensive - Yebda, Binya, Kastouranis, Fellipe Bastos
Katsouranis is the prime candidate to the defensive midfielder position. His positional flexibility and experience make him a great utility player. With Katsouranis most likely starting the season in the middle of the defense, Yebda should be the second choice to start. Strong on the ball, good vision and good aerial game, are some of the traits that make Yebda a serious candidate for the spot.
Binya's talent is well known by everyone, but the Cameroonian, lacks a certain consistency for the position. His endless stamina make him a great defender, but his aggressiveness and his lack of passing accuracy, at times, can be a bit frustrating and can throw off the team's rhythm. With Petit's exit, Binya secured a spot on the squad, but we'll have to improve if he is to get the starting job.
Fellipe Bastos, shows considerable talent for his age, but is still inexperienced, perhaps he can emerge some time during the middle of the season.
Jorge Ribeiro can also play defensive midfielder

Right Side - Balboa, Ruben Amorim.
Last year's nonexistent right midfield, gets a breath of fresh air this year with Balboa, and Amorim.
Balboa is a pure winger, while Amorim is more of an interior player. It'll all depend on how Quique sets up the team, although he started Amorim on the right in most recent games, he can very well change the tactical set up. Balboa has shown talent at times, but continues to be an enigma, as to what he can really do. Perhaps as the season goes by, he will become more comfortable and more confident.
Amorim had been this pre-season's biggest disappointment for me, up until recently. He is more of an interior player, although he can do nice things on the right. Let's hope the fact that he is a Benfiquista since birth does not weight too much on his mind.

Left Side - Reyes and DiMaria.
Just like last year, Benfica's left wing will be where most of the offensive damage will come from. With the arrival of Reyes, Benfica has more than compensated for the gap left by Whoredriguez. Reyes is world class, and can play the left wing probably better than any other player currently in the Liga Sagres. Let's hope he can give Benfiquistas many reason's to cheer.
DiMaria has become an overnight sensation with his performances in the Olympics. Media outlets reported that both Chelsea and Real Madrid had their eye on the Argentinean. Benfica acquired DiMaria's pass in its totality last week. Let's hope when he comes from Beijing, his ego does not affect his focus. He can very well have a spot in Quique's 11, as both, he and Reyes can play on both sides, even though they both favor the left. Let's wait and see how he returns from Beijing and if Quique will take advantage of his good moment of form.

Attacking - Aimar and Carlos Martins
Aimar is Benfica's #10, enough said. It'll be up to Quique to use him where he feels Aimar can contribute the most. In my opinion, he is not as effective playing behind Cardozo, as he is coming forward from the midfield. Time will tell where he will fit in the best.
Carlos Martins, is Benfica's "box-to-box", he is our transition man, and if he stays healthy and keeps his head on his shoulders, he can do great things for Benfica.

Forwards - Nuno Gomes, Cardozo, Makukula, Mantorras and Urretavizcaya.
Clearly an overcrowded sector, taking into consideration that Benfica has only been playing with one true forward.
Cardozo is the front runner to the position, having scored 20+ goals last season and looking very confident, Cardozo comes into the season well rested, and with the adaptation period behind him. He has scored in the last 3 games he has played in, and shows even more promise than last year. It'll be tough for anyone to steal the spot from him, under normal circumstances.
Team captain Nuno Gomes, is in a difficult position and can very well start the season riding the pine. He has been in clear decline these past couple of years, and has to be feeling that time is running out. If anyone will get a chance it'll be Nuno Gomes, what will he do with his opportunities, will ultimately seal his fate. Makukula has worked hard all pre-season to remain at the club, as he knows that if another forward arrives he is on his way out. He has been linked to moves to England as of late, and will most likely end up either there or in Spain.
All pre-season i have been writing how Urreta's flexibility could be his biggest argument to convince Quique to keep him. He has basically played every single position in the offensive trident, and every time he has shown spark. His quickness and his recklessness to engage a 1-v-1 situation have made him a mainstay in Quique's 11s. He still lacks some decisiveness on the last touch however, but it'll come with time. Don't be surprised if he shows up on the right wing on Sunday. Lastly Mantorras, everyone knows that Mantorras is more of a psychological help than a physical help. He played a total of 214 minutes(season + pre-season) last year. I know that Benfica has an obligation towards this player, but isn't it time that Benfica defines his situation?
How many minutes will he play this upcoming season, with everyone that is in front of him, + another forward that's yet to come?

All and all, a much better squad than last year. While last year we spent lots of money and got players that were virtually unknown, this year, for the most part, the acquisitions are well known players - Aimar, Reyes, Amorim, Martins and Ribeiro. Then we got Balboa, who was part of last year's Real Madrid team, and Yebda, who despite being an unknown, is a young player who was part of France's U-20 national team.
The biggest unknown is the 19 year old Uruguayan, Urreta, but he has already proved that the money Benfica spent on him was well worth it, as he is a player with considerable talent and a large margin of progression.
Let's see how the team performs under Quique, new methods, new ideology, it always takes a bit to get going. SO far the team has shown gradual improvement with every outing. They will not have that much time to improve as the porto clash comes right in the second round.

Benfica's acquisitions this year have been well thought out, and have been within the club's financial limits. Rui Costa has been instrumental for this to happen and so far he has done a great job in his new position.