João Palhinha joined Benfica at Marco Silva’s request | OneFootball

Marco Silva and João Palhinha are reunited at Benfica after two seasons together at Fulham.

According to Glorioso 1904, the midfielder’s move only happened following Marco Silva’s strong insistence, with the manager expressly requesting his signing.

Palhinha has already made his debut, coming on in the 31st minute against Estoril Praia to replace the injured Enzo Barrenechea.

In England he stood out for ball recoveries and intensity in midfield, at one stage leading the Premier League for defensive actions. The number 36 became a defensive reference in Silva’s Fulham side.

Before his Benfica bow, Silva said Palhinha adapted quickly to English football and sees him as a holding midfielder like Enzo Barrenechea, though with a different profile. He believes Palhinha adds greater intensity and a technical edge, while underlining Barrenechea’s strong recent form.

Source: Glorioso 1904

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”