Benfica announce 22-man squad ahead of the UEFA Champions League qualifier against Trabzonspor
Benfica manager Jorge Jesus has announced a 22-man squad ahead of the vital UEFA Champions League qualifier against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Trabzonspor-c40759 but did not acknowledge which players he will be fielding in the big game.
The Eagles have been drawn to play a two-legged affair against Turkish side, Trabzonspor, in the third qualifying round of UEFA the Champions League.
Benfica manager Jorge Jesus held a press conference to announce 22 players who would make up the squad for the crucial match.
While new signing Joan Capdevila’s availability will depend on him submitting his paperwork to the proper authorities, recent recruits http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ezequiel-Garay-c13071 and Axel Witsel have been named in the squad to face the Claret-Blues.
Reportedly want-away defender, Luisao, was also included in the team and will be the one to captain Benfica when they take on the club from Trabzon. Although his commitment to the Reds is questionable given the rumours circulating about his possible move
to the French Ligue 1, Jorge Jesus waived away all allegations surrounding his skipper.
“I have the utmost confidence in Luisao and that is what counts.” He said.
With the Brazilian likely to partner Garay in defence, the Portuguese tactician can rely on a solid centre in backline that will be hard to break down. However there are also concerns raised over the fitness of Maxi Pereira, who recently won the Copa America
with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Uruguay-c3035.
After his exertions in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Argentina-c2841, the right-back could possibly suffer from fatigue and might not live up to his usually high standards. Jorge Jesus has limited options in the full-back front and will have to rely on the likes of Andre Almeida and Ruben
Amorim to push from the wings, if his preferred choice does not take to the field.
But the main conundrum does not lie on the right side but on the left, where there has been a hole ever since the departure of Fabio Coentrao. The Estadio da Luz officials were quick to utilize the funds from his sale and acquired replacements such as Emerson
and Capdevila. As the Spaniard is unlikely to take part in the encounter, it paves the way for Emerson to make his debut for the Portuguese giants.
Although they boast an impressive defence, Benfica possess an even better attack, which enjoys the quality of Oscar Cardozo and Javi Garcia while the Belgian http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Axel-Witsel-c7029 will be another quality signing to bolster the side.
Witsel is likely to be a key component in the midfield engine room and could prove to be the one to tilt the tie in favour of the Lisbon outfit.
However, the focal point of the attack will be the mercurial Oscar Cardozo, who is arguably the most talented player the Portuguese club have. The Paraguayan will be fresh from his efforts with the National team. Should he manage to perform at his peak,
a win for Benfica is likely given their supremely talented squad, which far superior to those of their Turkish rivals.
Full 22-man Benfica squad for the match is as follows:
Goalkeepers: http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Eduardo-c12034.
Defenders: Luisao, Ezequiel Garay, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Maxi-Pereira-c25004.
Midfielders: http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Pablo-Aimar-c28938, Nicolas Gaitan, Enzo Perez.
Forwards: http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Javier-Saviola-c18090, Oscar Cardozo.
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