A Look At the Squad

On the eve of the official league start, JJ has 28 players at his disposal, certainly there will be a couple of more players leaving the team, as JJ is looking to work with a more manageable number of 25. Rui Costa has mentioned that Patric will most likely go on loan to acquire more experience, and there's still a couple other cases to define in the squad.


Moreira - will probably start the season on the bench, if the Milan game was any indication as to who will be the #1 goalkeeper. His recent debut for the national team was a morale booster, and he will fight tooth and nail with Quim for the starting spot.

Quim - appears to be JJ's choice for the starting keeper position. His silencing gesture to the crowd a week ago was unfortunate. Quim, who up until now, had decided his actions on the field would win the fan's support may have shot himself in the foot with his action at the end of the Milan game. I can understand his need to revolt and to express his anger to many of his critics, after saving 4 penalties, but in my opinion is actions have left him in a fragile position with the fans.

Julio Cesar - is Benfica's third goalkeeper. I know very little about about Julio Cesar, he has his work cut out. His first challenge will be to prove that he is better than Moretto, after that we'll see.

Maxi - Benfica's Iron man, went from being a "failed acquisition" to being the our most important defender. In my opinion, clearly last season's best defensive player. His performances are consistent, and despite not possessing the flashy skills of a modern back, it's his tough attitude and level headed playing that make him so important.

Patric - I would have liked to have seen a little more of Patric, but he needs a lot more experience. I think that at this point, he is lacking in the mental aspect to face this new stage of his career. He almost seems intimidated by Benfica and what is expected of of him, and that has shown in his performances.

Luis Felipe - was fished out the transferable list of players to add depth to the right back position. He has not had an easy time with Benfica and his perhaps the most disrespected player by the fans. I doubt he will make any type of appearance.

Luisao - Benfica's defensive leader will enter his 7th season with Benfica. He was instrumental in Benfica's last championship, and he will need to remain important if Benfica are to finish at the top. His leadership is also very important for the development of Sidnei, Miguel Vitor, Roderick and David Luiz. Let's hope he will have a good year, with little injuries.

David Luiz - Has battled injuries in the past but seems to have gotten past that phase. He is the prime candidate to start next to Luisao, as long as JJ fills the left back position.

Sidnei - There's no doubt the 20 year old has the potential to be a world class center back. With one year under his belt, and with full knowledge of the European game, this is the year where he needs to prove that potential.

Roderick - There has to be a feeling of accomplishment by Roderick already. Still a Junior, Roderick never imagined he would be part of this season's squad. His pre-season performances have certainly earned him a spot on the squad, he has nothing to lose, and all to gain.

Miguel Vitor - After his debut year, Miguel Vitor has earned himself a place at Benfica. He might not be JJ's first choice for the center back position, but he has come through every time he has been given the chance. He is also a viable alternative to the right back position.


Shaffer - Still trying to catch up with the European style, Shaffer's offensive talent is undeniable. With more experience and adapting time, he can very well equal what Leo gave Benfica.

Javi Garcia - When Benfica announced that they had spent 7 million on a virtually unknown defensive midfielder that was on Real's transfer list, a lot of Benfiquistas cringed. The truth is that little by little, Javi Garcia has proved himself. Despite not having reached the status of a 7million player, Garcia's importance to this team will prove invaluable. Strong, quick and simple is his game, sometimes you can't even tell he is on the field.

Yebda - Arrived last year, and showed great signs of promise but faded half way through the season, as a victim of a team who couldn't find an identity. He isn't necessarily a defensive midfielder although this year he has been trying to adapt, as in JJ's current system there is no room for a player of his characteristics.

Cesar Peixoto - Benfica's last acquisiton of the pre-season comes into the team as a real utility player. He can play various positions on the left side, including left back.

Carlos Martins - As it stands, Martins is Aimar's back up, but he can also fill in the right side of the midfield. He knows Aimar has had problems with injuries in the past and he must continue to work hard has his opportunity to be the playmaker of this team may come at anytime.


Ruben Amorim - Right back, right mid, defensive midfielder are all positions Amorim can play. It's unfortunate he will not have more of a starting role in this team, but his utility will be most valuable to this team.

Di Maria - JJ has given the young Argentinean a new lease on his career. Will this be the year he explodes?

Ramires - Ramires faces a delicate situation, he is the only player that did not enjoy anytime off and his work load must be well planned. He is banking on having a good year so that he can make the transition to a big club, let's hope that he can stay healthy. He still needs to adapt to the European game, but has all the tools to do it.

Urreta - Ended last year with great promise, it's too bad his position is extra deep and he has slipped in JJ's options. It's unclear whether he will stay with the squad, what is clear is that he will be out on U-20 duty from the middle of September to the middle of October.

Aimar - Benfica's playmaker. Not much to say about Aimar that's not already been said. If he stays healthy he can very well lead us to the promise land.

Coentrao - Another player that's ready to explode. He knows his fight with DiMaria is not over, and he will continue to work to stay ready.

Saviola - Some said he was done, Maradona thinks Saviola has found a perfect team to be relevant again.

Cardozo - Benfica's top scorer for the past two seasons, comes into the new season on fire, having scored 8 goals in 10 games.

Mantorras - Mantorras is Benfica's Amulet. He is the hope injection the stadium needs when the team is against the ropes. Everyone knows his physical conditions are not optimal to play the full ninety, but his desire and his will always make him a fan favorite.

Nuno Gomes - Benfica's captain will not have as much of starring role this year as in years past on the field, but his presence in the locker room will prove to be his biggest contribution to this team.

Weldon - Weldon knows he will not be a starter, but he works hard to be ready, He has been JJ's first choice off the bench. He has Keirrison at his heels, and knows he will need to continue to pay back the confidence that has been put in him by JJ.


Keirrison - The wonder kid from Brazil, arrives at Benfica labeled as a future star. Bought by Barca for 20 mil, Keirrison comes into a situation where the pressure will be much less than the one he would have encountered at Barca. Benfica is the ideal club for Keirrison to adapt to the European game. He might not be the first choice off the bench, but the season is long and every day that goes by it'll be another day of precious valuable experience for Keirrison.