Palhinha is so necessary: Paulo Robles questions Benfica's plan B | OneFootball

Paulo Robles analyzed the current state of the Benfica market and believes the Eagles’ structure still has several problems to solve, mainly because Marco Silva still does not have the squad he wants to fully implement his ideas. For the coach, the situation is particularly evident in central defense, a position he believes needs reinforcements and whose uncertainty has dragged on since the start of the transfer window.

“The problems remain. And they remain mainly because Marco Silva still does not have the squad finalized. Marco has already said several times that he still does not have certain players for his style of play, and he explained that, especially in terms of central defense, there is a clear need, and this is Benfica’s structure’s fault, because this problem is not new."

Paulo Robles believes Marco Silva’s playing model requires a player capable of protecting the central area of the pitch, especially in moments when the team loses possession: “It is clear that Marco Silva’s way of playing needs someone to act as a shield in the central space. Especially during the opponent’s transitions. When Benfica lose the ball, they are left exposed in the central channel."

That is precisely why João Palhinha appears, in Paulo Robles’ view, as a particularly important signing for Benfica. The Portuguese international could offer greater protection to the defense and more balance to Benfica’s midfield.

With Benfica still negotiating different targets to strengthen the squad, Paulo Robles puts a question to the structure led by Rui Costa, especially given the difficulties surrounding negotiations for Palhinha and Taylor Harwood-Bellis: “Barrenechea, although he has improved, is not the player Marco needs. That is why João Palhinha is so necessary. The question I ask now is: what is Benfica’s Plan B if Palhinha or Harwood-Bellis do not arrive?"

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