Under Roger Schmidt tactics, Benfica have been one of the most exciting teams to watch in the 2022/23 season.
Since taking over in July, the German manager has won all of his first nine matches.
With dominant tactics, Schmidt has brought back stability and success after a turbulent season at the Estádio da Luz.
Consequently, despite being drawn into a very difficult group with Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain, Benfica may prove to be one of the dark horses of this season’s UEFA Champions League.
Nationally, they sit at the top of the Primeira Liga as one of the favourites to win the title.
After losing Darwin Núñez to Liverpool among a few other players, the Encarnados have rebuilt their squad with exciting players over the summer.
First, up-and-coming players like João Victor, Enzo Fernández, and Alexander Bah have arrived.
Additionally, President Rui Costa has signed high-quality players such as Julian Draxler, David Neres, and Fredrik Aursnes to enhance Schmidt’s side.
With entertaining tactics and a talented squad, Benfica are certainly a team to watch this season.
In this tactical analysis, Benfica’s tactics under Roger Schmidt coaching style will be examined in detail.
In addition to understanding who their key players are, this analysis will look at their principles throughout multiple phases of the game.
Roger Schmidt Formations
As far as formations are concerned, Schmidt has been consistent.
The German has used a 4-2-3-1 formation 60% of the time, with a 4-4-2 variation being used another 25%.
Similarly, with a few exceptions, the lineups have been extremely consistent.
Odysseas Vlachodimos is the goalkeeper, with Nicolás Otamendi and Felipe Morato as the centre-backs.
New signing Alexander Bah has alternated with the Brazilian Gilberto for the right-back position.
On the left, star Alejandro Grimaldo is a regular.
Further ahead, Florentino Luís and Enzo Fernández form a double pivot behind João Mário, Rafa Silva, and David Neres.
Finally, youth academy product Gonçalo Ramos has replaced Darwin Núñez as the centre-forward.
Benfica’s structure, despite their initial 4-2-3-1, is very fluid.
The fullbacks normally maintain width while the wingers drift inside.
