Prestianni thriving at Benfica with Mourinho's backing: the plan | OneFootball

Gianluca Prestianni has been establishing himself as one of José Mourinho’s main options on the right side of Benfica’s attack, posting numbers and performances that have clearly improved in recent weeks. In the last four games, the Argentine has recorded one goal and three assists, including two in the win over Nacional, a first in his career.

According to the newspaper 'O Jogo', the progress of the number 25 is directly linked to the work carried out with José Mourinho, who sought to simplify the winger’s game. The Special One asked him to be more direct in attacking actions, prioritising movement in areas closer to goal in order to increase his effectiveness in passing and shooting.

That adjustment was visible in the assists for Schjelderup and Rafa in the match against Nacional, where Prestianni managed to be more decisive. At the same time, José Mourinho strengthened the player’s confidence, encouraging him to believe more in his abilities, even after the controversial incident with Vinícius Júnior in the game against Real Madrid.

In addition to the attacking side of his game, the Argentine’s development has also extended to the defensive phase. The Benfica coach worked on the player’s aggression and positioning, aiming to make him more effective in winning the ball back and supporting the full-back, reducing spaces and ensuring greater collective balance.

The result is a more complete and consistent player, combining individual flair with greater tactical discipline. Prestianni has therefore gained greater importance in Mourinho’s selections, becoming part of a flank that, together with Schjelderup, has been one of the most productive for the Benfica side at this stage of the season.

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