Benfica ‘to include’ six academy players in Marco Silva’s pre-season | OneFootball

New Benfica head coach Marco Silva is finalising pre-season plans, with six academy players set to join first-team training at Seixal. According to Record, João Fonseca, Rui Silva, Miguel Figueiredo, Gonçalo Moreira, Jaden Umeh and Peter Edokpolor have been selected.

With a week to go before the restart, the youngsters will work under the senior staff as they look to impress. Several were already around the first team last season.

João Fonseca, 19, is a centre-back who has trained with the seniors and made matchday squads under José Mourinho, without an official debut. He played 20 games for the B team. Rui Silva, also 19, was a regular for the B team and in the Youth League, and at 1.89 metres he is noted for aerial power.

Midfielder Miguel Figueiredo, 17, rose quickly, starting with the under-19s, earning B-team minutes and a senior call-up. He is already an under-17 world champion.

Gonçalo Moreira, 20, is highly rated after seven goals and six assists for the B team and a first-team debut. José Mourinho publicly praised him and admitted a soft spot for the midfielder.

Winger Jaden Umeh, 18, recently made his senior Ireland bow in friendlies against Qatar and Canada. He had 14 under-19 appearances last season and one outing for the B team, built on pace and technique.

Nigerian striker Peter Edokpolor, 19, stands 1.92 metres and scored four goals in 22 B-team games last term. He now has the chance to show his potential with the senior group.

Source: Glorioso 1904