On derby day, some say Mourinho holds an ace up Benfica’s sleeve | OneFootball

José Mourinho is preparing for his return to Estádio do Dragão, but this time as the coach of Benfica. Among the various options the Special One has on the table, the press points to Dodi Lukebakio as the Portuguese coach’s ‘secret weapon’ to try to secure victory in the Clássico against Porto.

According to the newspaper Record, in its Sunday edition on October 5, the Belgian international – who has been called up to his national team – is increasingly becoming a safe bet for the Portuguese coach, and he has been showing all his quality on the pitch. Thus, it is more than certain that he will be an option for the starting eleven against Porto.

The new number 11 is seen as the great game-changer, capable of making a difference in the reds and whites’ attack. However, Lukebakio is not the only new offensive addition for the Eagles in this clash with the Dragons. Franjo Ivanovic and Goergiy Sudakov are two new faces who hope to get their first minutes in a Portuguese football Clássico.

It should be noted that Benfica arrived in Vila Nova de Gaia, where they spent the night, around 7:30 p.m. yesterday, October 4. Amid an atmosphere of great celebration and euphoria, it was clear that José Mourinho brought some surprises with him. Among the Special One’s choices is Ivan Lima, a surprise inclusion in the Eagles’ squad list.

Signed after Akturkoglu’s departure, Dodi Lukebakio – currently valued at 20 million euros – has been one of José Mourinho’s key players. This season, the number 11 has already played three official matches: two in Liga Portugal Betclic and one in the Champions League. In the 170 minutes he has been on the pitch, the Belgian has provided one assist.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.