Benfica set to reward Franjo Ivanovic with more minutes | OneFootball

Franjo Ivanovic is in line for increased minutes in Benfica’s run-in. According to Glorioso 1904, the Croatia international has impressed the coaching staff and is set to be rewarded in the remaining Liga Portugal Betclic fixtures.

He offered signs of form at Alvalade in the previous round, then struck twice in three minutes against Moreirense to clinch victory, a display that left José Mourinho satisfied.

Mourinho’s intention is to hand Ivanovic further game time so he takes on a more prominent role. He has already been decisive in the draw with Porto and the hard-fought win over Arouca.

In recent weeks the number nine has become a secret weapon from the bench, scoring frequently after coming on. He could be a reliable alternative at this stage of the campaign, given Vangelis Pavlidis’s ongoing goal drought.

This season Ivanovic, valued at €18 million, has played 40 competitive matches for Benfica, 23 in Liga Portugal Betclic, 11 in the Champions League, four in the Taça de Portugal and two in the Taça da Liga. Across 1,291 minutes he has scored eight goals and supplied two assists.

Source: Glorioso 1904