Two Benfica youngsters impressing Marco Silva in pre-season | OneFootball

According to Glorioso 1904, two Seixal graduates have been catching Marco Silva's eye during Benfica's pre-season.

Benfica recorded their first pre-season win this week, beating Estrela da Amadora 5-2 in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Seixal. Pavlidis struck twice, with Rafa, João Rego and Rui Silva also on target. It followed the 2-2 draw with Caldas in their opening test.

The standout has been 20-year-old attacking midfielder Gonçalo Moreira, who again impressed and is earning credit with the new coaching staff. He made his senior debut last season, one minute against Nacional at Estádio da Luz, and now aims to cement a first-team place.

Moreira split last term across the juniors, under-23s, the B team and the seniors, totalling 40 appearances, 18 goals and 10 assists. His form also brought a Portugal under-21 debut, where he has three caps and two goals. While in charge at Benfica, José Mourinho said he had a soft spot for the midfielder.

Left-back José Neto, 18, has also impressed Silva in training. A European and world under-17 champion, he is on course to challenge Samuel Dahl for a starting berth.

Source: Glorioso 1904