Sudakov feels the weight of Benfica! Why the midfielder faded | OneFootball

Winter has arrived, the season is halfway through, and Sudakov – who outperformed Sporting’s rival – is feeling the accumulated load more than most. This is his first adventure outside Ukraine and, consequently, the first time he doesn’t have a break at this time of year, a period when Shakhtar Donetsk, where he played for several years, usually has about a month of competitive rest.

Sudakov is going through a tough time at Benfica

In addition to the busy schedule and change in habits, the pressure of playing for Benfica and immediately living up to the investment made by the Club of Light translates into greater physical and psychological strain. The midfielder is also facing the challenge of occupying new areas on the pitch and fulfilling roles he wasn’t used to in Ukraine.

The emotional side also weighs in. In recent months, Sudakov lost his father, saw his family’s home in Kyiv destroyed by Russian bombings, and watched from afar as his second daughter was born, increasing the impact off the field.

Mourinho doesn’t mince words

Sudakov has also received direct criticism from José Mourinho, who has already sent clear messages at different times: “He hasn’t managed to find space in the central area, he’s been drifting too much to the left without being asked to. So that’s where the game starts,” said the coach when asked about the Ukrainian international’s positioning.

This season, wearing Benfica’s shirt, Georgiy Sudakov – valued at 30 million euros – has played 24 matches: 14 in Liga Portugal Betclic, six in the Champions League, two in the Portuguese Cup, and two in the League Cup. In the 1,300 minutes he has played, the midfielder has scored four goals and provided six assists.

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