Froholdt shines brighter than Ríos in Porto-Benfica clash | OneFootball

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

In the first seven rounds of the Betclic League, the Dane from FC Porto scored 1 goal and provided 3 assists, while the Colombian from Benfica – also sought after by Porto – has yet to score. Froholdt also stands out in recoveries (32 compared to Ríos's 26) and chances created (11 compared to 5), while the former Palmeiras player excels in tackles (10-5), duels won (48-34), and shots (22-9). Jesualdo Ferreira, who coached both teams, considers this “the first version of what both can offer” to their teams. “They are completely different players. One is younger, with knowledge of European football; the other more experienced, but Colombian. They are completely different formations. Froholdt is being much more decisive and influential than Ríos, who is still looking for the best position where he feels more secure,” says the 73-year-old former coach, evaluating the first 'sample' of the duo.

“Froholdt does not have a fixed position. He rarely plays in a central position, except in defensive and balancing moments. He has very good physical ability and gives everything in each action. It is difficult for the opponent to understand which areas he frequents more often, and he has a greater importance than Ríos at Benfica,” notes the coach, recalling that the Colombian “occupied more central areas at Palmeiras.” “I saw him as a 6 or double pivot. At Benfica, it is European football and the game's dynamics are different. I don't know his position preferences, but José Mourinho will know where he can perform best. From what I saw in Brazil and here, it seems to me that he wants to do everything everywhere, which is not very possible. He has been very close to scoring goals, occupying areas that are not very usual for him. He is not yet the Ríos he can be in the future.”

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