Freitas: Marco Silva thinks Benfica have a Maradona, find out who | OneFootball

João Palhinha’s signing continues to be a major talking point in the Benfica universe. The Portuguese international is seen as an addition capable of transforming the balance of Marco Silva’s team and, in José Manuel Freitas’s opinion, he could become so important to the coach that it justifies a comparison with one of the greatest figures in football history: Diego Maradona.

"The way Benfica went after João Palhinha, the way Marco Silva was directly and indirectly involved in his signing, led many people to believe, and I’ve even said here several times and I’ll say it again: for Marco Silva’s game idea, Palhinha is his Maradona. With all due proportions. I’m not belittling anyone; I’m looking at João Palhinha as a great footballer and Marco Silva as an excellent coach," he said on the Now channel.

José Manuel Freitas was keen to clarify that the comparison is not meant to place João Palhinha on the same level as the legendary Argentine, but rather to highlight the importance the midfielder could have in the Reds coach’s system.

Despite the impact Palhinha’s arrival could have at Benfica, Marco Silva has already tried to calm things down, reminding everyone that no player, on his own, wins matches and that success will always depend on the collective. José Manuel Freitas agrees with that idea, but believes the Portuguese international’s presence gives the coach added security to explore different tactical solutions.

"Looking at the practical side of things, it is clear that João Palhinha gives the coach security even to implement other, more attack-minded dynamics, greater boldness in the final third, and more attacking exposure, because there is one thing that is absolutely true and we all know it: João Palhinha can hold a midfield on his own. A footballer capable of creating major imbalances,” the commentator concluded.

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