Richard Ríos takes key step to help Benfica turn the corner | OneFootball

Richard Ríos was an unused substitute in the friendly match between Colombia and Mexico, which ended with a 4-0 victory for the team of the Benfica midfielder, a fact that is seen as excellent news for Benfica. The player, who had been accumulating a high number of minutes in recent weeks, was finally able to rest and recover physically, something the club considered essential at this stage of the season.

Richard Ríos has been a regular presence in José Mourinho’s selections, despite some remarks from the coach. The 17 consecutive games as a starter led to visible physical and mental fatigue, reflected in some less successful performances before the break for international fixtures.

At Seixal, Benfica’s technical staff and medical team closely monitor the competitive load of their international players, and Richard Ríos’s case was one of the most concerning. It is important to remember that the midfielder has been in competition since January, when the season began in Brazil, while he was still playing for Palmeiras.

With his return scheduled for the coming days, Richard Ríos is expected to come back fresher and more motivated to help José Mourinho’s team. At the club, it is believed that proper management of his workload could be decisive in stabilizing the midfield and restoring the player’s confidence, as he continues to be seen as a solid bet for both the present and future of Benfica.

This season, playing for Benfica, Richard Ríos – valued at 16 million euros – has played in 14 matches: seven in Liga Portugal Betclic, six in the Champions League, and one in the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira. In the 1,193 minutes he has spent on the pitch, the midfielder has yet to score a goal or provide an assist.

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