Marco Silva keeps faith in Sudakov despite shaky start to season at Benfica | OneFootball

Marco Silva is keeping faith in Sudakov despite a bumpy start to Benfica’s season, handing the Ukrainian a central role.

According to Glorioso 1904, the new coach, appointed as José Mourinho’s successor, highlighted on 12 June that Sudakov’s profile fits his teams, that he intends to maximise the squad, and that the opportunity will be there for him.

Pre-season underlined that plan, with Sudakov operating in a three-man midfield, often in a number 10 lane. He has linked play with Pavlidis and the two wingers, frequently finding space between the lines.

Performances have fluctuated, yet he kept his place in the first competitive games. He and Samuel Dahl are joint second for minutes on 450, behind Clément Lenglet on 478.

Silva has acknowledged the player’s emotional side and said there is some tension, while stressing Sudakov’s desire to meet demands on the pitch. He appears determined to draw out the best of the Ukrainian international and to raise him to the level his talent warrants.

Source: Glorioso 1904

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