José Mourinho’s secret weapon begins to pay off at Benfica | OneFootball

Benfica are braced for the final three league fixtures, and José Mourinho appears to have a new secret weapon. Franjo Ivanovic struck twice in the 4-1 win over Moreirense to re-ignite his case for minutes.

Record writes that the Croatia international came on in the 75th minute and scored twice in three minutes, netting Benfica’s third and fourth. That burst leaves him joint-top among Liga substitutes with four goals.

His tally matches the marks set by Nenê of AVS SAD, William Gomes of FC Porto, Gustavo Varela of Gil Vicente and Marezi of Alverca. The forward has become a useful option from the bench.

After influential outings against Porto and Arouca, Ivanovic faded from the spotlight. Mourinho’s calls against Sporting and now Moreirense have restored the 22-year-old’s prominence, and his chances of a 2026 World Cup place may be growing.

This season Ivanovic has played 40 times for Benfica across all competitions, 23 in Liga Portugal Betclic, 11 in the Champions League, four in the Taça de Portugal and two in the Taça da Liga. In 1,291 minutes he has eight goals and two assists, and he is valued at 18 million euros.

Source: Glorioso 1904