Gonçalo Oliveira to Porto or Benfica? Some are certain: loads of quality... | OneFootball

João Manuel Pinto argues that the Classic could be a great opportunity for Gonçalo Oliveira. According to the former footballer, who wore both the Benfica and Porto jerseys, the Eagles cannot rely on the absences of Nicolás Otamendi and António Silva and must take risks.

“A while ago, Mourinho said there was a lot of quality in Seixal, so I think he cannot be worried. He can't say one thing today and another tomorrow. The Liga 2 is also very competitive, Benfica needs to have solutions and be prepared for suspensions and injuries,” João Manuel Pinto began, regarding the possibility of Benfica betting on Gonçalo Oliveira as a starter.

“Benfica cannot just depend on Otamendi and António Silva,” added the former athlete of the Club da Luz. Then, João Manuel Pinto gave assurance about the young player, seen as the successor to the Eagles' captain, emphasizing that he will be an 'excellent center-back'.

“Sometimes we need to look for solutions, and they are even in the academy. In moments when Benfica had injury problems in the center of defense, they turned to young players and it worked; I remember António Silva, Rúben Dias, and David Luiz,” stated the former Benfica athlete.

This season, playing for Benfica, Gonçalo Oliveira – valued at 2 million euros – has played 16 matches: 11 in the Second League and five in the UEFA Youth League. In the 1,395 minutes he was on the pitch, the young center-back, who has a contract until 2027, scored four goals and made two assists.

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