Lenglet? Benfica comparison: Otamendi was too often emotional | OneFootball

Clément Lenglet is already in Portugal to finalize his move to Benfica. The French centre-back will strengthen the Eagles on loan from Atlético Madrid, in a deal that includes a mandatory purchase clause to be triggered next summer, taking on the role left vacant by Nicolás Otamendi, who has meanwhile been linked with River Plate.

In Luís Pedro Ferreira’s analysis, the arrival of Lenglet does not represent a simple direct replacement for the Argentine international, who has already signed with the Millionario side, but rather a significant change in the profile of Benfica’s defensive unit.

"Otamendi, when he moved to the left, could hardly play a vertical pass with his left foot; even with his right foot, the Argentine was not exactly the best passer, and that, in a team that normally spends most of the season attacking, is a weakness to be exploited," the commentator explained.

With Lenglet, Benfica gain, from this perspective, greater ability in ball circulation and switching play. The French centre-back stands out for how easily he finds teammates between the lines and for his ability to switch the build-up channel, which could give more fluency to playing out from the back and greater security in possession.

On the other hand, there are clear differences in competitive profile, according to Luís Pedro Ferreira: "Otamendi is a player who is strong in duels, very good in the air, and shows visible leadership on the pitch. But the Argentine was too often emotional when composure was needed; a recent example was the sending-off in Famalicão. He was too aggressive in some of his challenges, and that cost Benfica some goals conceded".

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