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He was one of Benfica’s most significant signings this season and, at first glance, the place of Rúben Dias would have been occupied at the highest level by Nicolás Otamendi. After six seasons and 210 games with Manchester City, the 32-year-old Argentine international has arrived in Luz. The past at FC Porto led to some initial criticism, intensified with Jorge Jesus handing over the captain’s armband to the Argentine, as he understood that Otamendi’s statute dictates respect from opponents and referees. But now the performance of the system is causing problems. And the third goal conceded the day before yesterday with SC Braga, in the absence of communication with Vlachodimos, has increased the suspicions even more.
Otamendi came to Benfica and was a regular player. On matchday three, the defender played alongside Jardel – Vertonghen was injured – with Farense. The first half went well, but the second half was a disaster. First he was fouled for a penalty (Stojiljkovic’s clear pass) and, towards the end, he was disarmed by Patrick and made the final 2-3. Jorge Jesus justified Otamendi’s mistakes with the lack of rhythm and the fatigue of the central for not having competed until that date.
But the problems don’t stop there. Against Rangers, the Argentine was sent off after being beaten at speed by Ryan Kent after a deep pass.
The day before yesterday the match with SC Braga reinforced the bad moment. At 0-1, with the team positioned to play short and open position, Otamendi opted to play long and for the opposite midfield. SC Braga’s quick recovery and Benfica midfield passivity extended the pace to Iuri Medeiros. At 0-3 total no coordination with Vlachodimos.
The Argentine central was one of the most evident problems of Benfica’s failure to succeed, but the problem becomes deeper. With games every three days and little time to train, Benfica defends poorly as a team. And the two central players, Otamendi and Vertonghen, two players who have made a career in the Premier League, are not the solution.
The reds suffer a lot with deep shots and the defensive formation, brand image of Jorge Jesus, ends up being a target for the opponents. And these punish Benfica. The lack of support from the midfield adds to the problem. Lech Poznan scored as well, with Ishak appearing in the Argentine’s zone, after a ball in the back of the defense. In that game the reds felt a lot of problems in this respect. The same happened in Bessa’s defeat. Rangers were just one more to have fun.
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