Benfica loanee shines in Minho, Marco Silva takes note | OneFootball

Diogo Prioste is making the most of his loan spell at Gil Vicente. The 22-year-old midfielder was loaned out by Benfica during the summer transfer window with the aim of gaining minutes and experience at the highest level and, so far, the plan is going as expected.

The player quickly became an important part of Luís Pinto’s plans. Prioste was first used in the third matchday, in the win over Casa Pia, coming on as a substitute. Since then, he has featured in every possible minute, missing only the clash with Benfica, as he was unable to face the club that still owns his registration.

Regular playing time in Barcelos is allowing the midfielder to build experience that he would hardly have gained had he remained limited to the B team. Prioste has already made his debut for the Eagles’ first team, although he is still looking to establish himself permanently in the senior squad. Last season, the player stood out for Benfica B, making 26 appearances, scoring four goals and providing seven assists.

The numbers convinced Benfica’s hierarchy to raise the level of demand and look for a solution that would allow him to compete regularly in professional football. Now, his spell at Gil Vicente appears to be an important opportunity to show that he is ready to take the next step. And there are people keeping a close eye on him at the Luz.

Marco Silva is naturally monitoring the midfielder’s development, at a time when Benfica could lose some midfield options in the summer of 2027. If he maintains the level he has shown in Barcelos, Prioste could present himself as an in-house option to fill one of those vacancies.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.