João Palhinha chooses Benfica to catch Jorge Jesus's eye | OneFootball

he is very close to completing a return to Portuguese football to play for Benfica, in a decision that will not be related only to personal matters. The midfielder also weighed the sporting factors before moving forward with a switch that could represent a new phase in his career and allow him to regain a prominent place.

The Portugal international wants to become a regular presence again in the National Team selections and believes that a move to the Luz could help him achieve that goal. After missing the last World Cup, the defensive midfielder understands that regaining competitive rhythm and taking on an important role at Benfica could be decisive in helping him wear the Portuguese national team shirt again.

The possible move takes on even more significance considering Jorge Jesus. The coach knows Palhinha’s characteristics well, since the two worked together at Sporting, and he could once again count on the midfielder in the context of the national team. The experience the coach has with the player could weigh on future selections, especially if the defensive midfielder manages to recover the consistency and performances he showed in earlier stages of his career.

At 31, the midfielder has 37 caps and two goals for Portugal’s senior national team. His last appearance came on October 14 of last year, and Palhinha also has the Nations League title on his résumé. A move to the Luz thus appears as an opportunity to regain prominence and move closer once again to the national team options.

. And there is also the possibility of reuniting with Jorge Jesus, a coach who has known the midfielder since their days at Alvalade and who could once again have an important say in his international path.

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