Pavlidis on alert at Benfica, signs could change the European race | OneFootball

Vangelis Pavlidis’ name is once again in the spotlight at Benfica, at a decisive stage of the season. The Greek striker is going through a less productive spell and that is starting to show not only in the team’s performances, but also in a ranking that closely tracks every goal scored in Europe.

In the derby against Sporting, Pavlidis started on the bench, with Franjo Ivanovic - who was praised by Paulo Madeira - being chosen for the starting lineup. He ended up coming on, but once again failed to score, extending a run that raises doubts about his effectiveness at a time when every goal counts for a lot.

That lack of finishing is having a direct impact on the Golden Boot race, where the Benfica striker currently sits in 16th place. The margin is slim and the pressure is mounting, as names like Luis Díaz, Mason Greenwood, Antoine Semenyo or Lamine Yamal could overtake him as early as the next matchday if they score again.

At the top of the list, Harry Kane remains clear, with a comfortable lead over Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland. That is a distant scenario for Pavlidis at the moment, but it could still change if the Benfica striker rediscovers his scoring touch in the final stretch of the season.

This season, playing for Benfica, Vangelis Pavlidis - valued at €32 million - has already made 50 official appearances: 30 in Liga Portugal Betclic, 14 in the Champions League, three in the Portuguese Cup, two in the League Cup and one in the Super Cup. In the 4,050 minutes he has been on the pitch, the Greek forward has scored 29 goals and provided five assists.

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