Schjelderup shines for Benfica with Mourinho shaping a special plan | OneFootball

Andreas Schjelderup’s uptick at Benfica continued as the 21-year-old struck the winner in the 1-2 victory at Gil Vicente in Barcelos, underlining his growing role under Mourinho.

According to A Bola, Mourinho has been working closely with the winger this season, focusing on confidence and mindset to bring out his qualities on the pitch.

The staff have targeted his movement in the final third, after noting that his usual outside-to-in dribble was being contained by defences. He has been urged to vary runs and attack space, making his attacking play less predictable.

Mourinho recently said the Norwegian now reads the game better and contributes more to the press, making him a more regular attacking option. He added that the player feels the coach’s backing, which is important for self-esteem and confidence, and that he prefers this Schjelderup to the one he first encountered.

This season he has played 33 times for Benfica, 18 in Liga Portugal Betclic, 10 in the Champions League, four in the Portuguese Cup and one in the League Cup. Across 1,763 minutes he has six goals and three assists. He is valued at 14 million euros.

Source: Glorioso 1904