Marco Silva plans Benfica overhaul at the Luz as academy prospects get pre-season chance | OneFootball

Benfica’s pre-season will begin in unusual circumstances, with several senior players away at the World Cup, handing academy talent a platform under Marco Silva.

According to Glorioso 1904, Daniel Banjaqui, José Neto and Anísio Cabral have places virtually assured in the initial senior group, while further youngsters will be invited to stake a claim.

With gaps created by those absences and by the market, Silva will lean on internal options. At centre-back, names under review include Joshua Wynder, João Fonseca, Rui Silva and Mauro Furtado.

In midfield, openings could bring chances for João Veloso, Nuno Félix, Tiago Freitas, Miguel Figueiredo and Rafael Quintas, players who have had some exposure to the senior side and now aim to establish themselves.

Out wide, Jaden Umeh, Olívio Tomé, Eduardo Fernandes, Rodrigo Rêgo and Federico Coletta are among those competing for early minutes as they try to impress the new head coach. This pre-season promises to be decisive in determining who could make Benfica’s final squad.

Source: Glorioso 1904