After Otamendi exit, Benfica cry out for new leader: experience needed... | OneFootball

Nicolás Otamendi’s move to River Plate has forced Benfica to step up their search for reinforcements in central defense. With Tomás Araújo and António Silva as the only established options in the heart of the back line, the Eagles want to sign two center-backs: one experienced player and another with room to develop.

The departure of the Argentine international leaves a significant mark on the squad. Beyond the quality he showed on the pitch, Otamendi was one of the dressing room’s main leaders, having held captain status during the last few seasons with the Eagles.

The numbers help explain the importance of the 38-year-old defender. In the last league campaign, he was the squad player involved in the most duels and had one of the best success rates, confirming the influence he had on the team’s defensive consistency.

Speaking to Record, João Manuel Pinto highlighted precisely that trait of the Argentine. "This is typical of South American players, who have this way of playing, with intensity and aggression", said the former Benfica captain.

Hélder Cristóvão also believes Benfica are losing much more than just a center-back. "Benfica lose leadership, attitude and an example. Otamendi always gave everything for Benfica and for the shirt he wore. He was also a support for António and Tomás", said the former Eagles defender.

Despite the confidence placed in António Silva and Tomás Araújo, both former captains believe the pair need competition and the support of a more experienced player. The idea is to add leadership and ensure greater squad depth for all competitions.

"I believe the pairing will be António and Tomás, although Benfica need a more experienced center-back who makes them feel their place is not guaranteed. For the league, the two are enough, but someone else is needed for the other competitions", argued Hélder Cristóvão.

In the market, one of the best-placed names is Jorge Cuenca. The 26-year-old Spanish center-back from Fulham appeals to Benfica’s hierarchy and knows Marco Silva well, although the multimillion-euro asking price could make the deal impossible. His ability to play with his left foot is seen as an important asset for the Eagles’ future coach.

Besides Cuenca, Benfica remain attentive to other options for the position. Olivier Boscagli, currently at Brighton, has once again been linked with the Eagles, while Tiago Gabriel, the young Portugal under-21 international who plays for Lecce, is also among the players being monitored to strengthen the defense next season.

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