Seixal on alert as Marco Silva record prompts Benfica questions | OneFootball

Benfica begin their 2026/27 build-up in uncommon circumstances, with Marco Silva only just appointed and immediate decisions to make. Attention at Seixal centres on how the new coach might use academy graduates.

According to Glorioso 1904, Rui Costa has said planning for the new season was already under way, yet several squad issues remain open. With a little over a month to prepare, Silva must quickly set his priorities.

Across his career, Silva has not been strongly linked to a heavy reliance on homegrown players, even if he has often led youthful squads. Many debuts under him involved footballers who already had senior experience, making it hard to label him a specialist in promoting prospects.

At Estoril in 2011/12, he handed Gerso Fernandes his first professional opportunity. The winger made 27 appearances that season at 21.

That same campaign, Leandro Borges also debuted for the first team, but did not feature again after his bow. In 2013/14, still at Estoril, Silva introduced two more academy products.

Ricardo Vaz, then 19, played in five matches and scored one goal, while Rui Caniço, 18, made one appearance. Now at Benfica, Silva will assess João Fonseca, Rui Silva, Miguel Figueiredo, Gonçalo Moreira, Jaden Umeh and Peter Edokpolor during pre-season as they try to impress.

Source: Glorioso 1904