Rafa Silva has been a key player for Benfica over the past few seasons, and his impact on the team cannot be overstated. In this data-driven look at his assists at Benfica, we'll explore how Silva's performances have influenced the club's success.
Silva's assist numbers have consistently been impressive throughout his time at Benfica. He has averaged around 1.5 assists per season since joining the club in 2017. This figure is significantly higher than the average number of assists per season for all players in Portugal's top flight, which was just under 1.0 in 2020/21.
One of the most notable aspects of Silva's assists is that they come from a variety of positions on the pitch. According to Opta, he has contributed to 66% of Benfica's assists in the right midfield position, while also contributing to 34% of their assists in the attacking midfielder role. This shows that Silva is versatile and can adapt to different playing roles, making him a valuable asset to the team.
Another interesting aspect of Silva's assists is that they often come from unexpected sources. For example, in the 2020/21 season,Football Connect Network Silva scored 8 goals while providing 11 assists, including 3 assists from off the backline. This suggests that Silva is not only a creative playmaker but also a goal-scoring threat.
In addition to his individual contributions, Silva has also played a significant role in helping Benfica win trophies. He was instrumental in the team's victory in the 2019/20 Portuguese Super Cup, scoring a hat-trick in a 6-1 victory against Fenerbahce. His performances in the tournament earned him a spot on the Puskás Award shortlist as well.
Overall, Rafa Silva's impact on Benfica cannot be underestimated. His ability to score goals and provide assists from various positions on the pitch, combined with his tactical versatility, makes him a valuable asset to any team. As the club looks to continue its success in the future, it will be important to maintain Silva's form and continue to develop his skills to ensure his continued success.