Froholdt outshines Ríos as reinforcements star in Porto-Benfica | OneFootball

Among the many new faces in both squads, midfielders Victor Froholdt (FC Porto) and Richard Ríos (Benfica)—the most expensive signings for the Dragons and the Eagles this summer, costing 20 and 27 million euros respectively—are drawing much of the attention ahead of this Sunday’s classic (9:15 PM).

In the first seven rounds of the Liga Betclic, the Danish player from FC Porto has scored 1 goal and provided 3 assists, while the Colombian from Benfica—who was also wanted by Porto—has yet to score. Froholdt also stands out in recoveries (32 compared to Ríos’ 26) and chances created (11 to 5), whereas the former Palmeiras player excels in tackles (10-5), duels won (48-34), and shots (22-9). Jesualdo Ferreira, who has coached both teams, considers this “the first version of what both can offer” their teams. “They are completely different players. One is younger, with knowledge of European football; the other is more experienced, but Colombian. Their backgrounds are completely distinct. Froholdt is proving to be much more decisive and influential than Ríos, who is still searching for his best position, where he feels most comfortable,” says the 73-year-old former coach, as he assesses the pair’s first ‘sample’ performances.

“Froholdt plays in a position that isn’t fixed. He rarely plays centrally, except in defensive and balance moments. He has very good physical ability and gives everything in every action. It’s difficult for opponents to figure out which areas he frequents most, and he has a greater importance than Ríos does at Benfica,” notes the coach, recalling that the Colombian “operated more centrally at Palmeiras.” “I saw him as a number 6 or a double pivot. At Benfica, it’s European football and the game dynamics are different. I don’t know his positional preferences, but José Mourinho will know where he can perform best. From what I saw in Brazil and here, it seems to me he wants to do everything everywhere, which isn’t really possible. He’s already come very close to scoring, and he’s occupying areas that aren’t very typical for him. He’s not yet the Ríos he could become in the future.”

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