Marco Silva could spring Circati surprise for Aarhus v Benfica second leg | OneFootball

Benfica take a 3-1 lead to Denmark for the Europa League play-off second leg against Aarhus, which decides entry to the league phase. Marco Silva could spring a selection surprise with Alessandro Circati.

According to Glorioso 1904, the head coach is managing workloads ahead of another significant European night. The Australia international joined from Parma for 18 million euros, with a further 2 million in add-ons. He landed in Lisbon on Wednesday 19, was unveiled within hours, then trained with the squad.

Circati has been registered with UEFA and the Portuguese league, so he is eligible in Europe and domestically. A debut in Denmark is possible, though he is not expected to start or see many minutes. A shortage of natural centre-backs could yet earn him a place in the squad.

Tomás Araújo and Clément Lenglet have been the first-choice pairing, with Gabriel Índio the main alternative. Manu Silva has also covered at centre-back when regulars were rested. Circati offers added defensive bite, aerial presence, leadership and maturity.

Silva described Circati as bringing leadership, maturity and the profile they were seeking for the role. He also stressed the defender would not be at Benfica without the quality to compete for a place, and that signings are made to improve what was there.

Source: Glorioso 1904

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