Marco Silva to bring nine Benfica youngsters into pre-season amid World Cup absences | OneFootball

Marco Silva will begin work at Benfica Campus on 25 June and, with several seniors at the World Cup, is set to involve nine academy players in pre-season.

According to Glorioso 1904, the intake will be drawn from the B team, under-23s and under-19s, with three prospects almost assured of a place. They are right-back Daniel Banjaqui, left-back José Neto and striker Anísio Cabral, all under-17 world champions with Portugal.

The absences of Amar Dedic, Tomás Araújo, Richard Ríos, Fredrik Aursnes, Andreas Schjelderup and Dodi Lukebakio mean a reshaped group in early sessions.

In central defence, Rui Silva and João Fonseca are natural candidates to gain opportunities. In midfield, Miguel Figueiredo, Tiago Freitas and Gonçalo Moreira could receive important chances.

Out wide, competition is expected to be intense, with Jaden Umeh, Olívio Tomé and Rodrigo Rêgo among those best placed to step up and try to impress Silva.

The World Cup contingent will take post-tournament breaks, extending the window for youngsters to stake their claim. For many, it could be a first major audition in front of the new Benfica head coach.

Source: Glorioso 1904