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25 October 2018

Jota, the Benfica virtuoso

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SL Benfica are renowned for their ability to produce a number of young talents. Joao Filipe commonly known as “Jota” could be the latest wonderkid to emerge from the Lisbon-based club academy. Fast, technically gifted and efficient, the 19-year-old attacking midfielder seems to have a bright future ahead of him.

He offered to us glimpses of his talent through his stunning free-kick scored against Japan during the Maurice Revello Tournament 2018. The following months have confirmed that Joao Filipe alias Jota is one of the brightest young talents in Portugal. And probably one of the best youngsters that came through the Benfica academy over the last years.

Few weeks after playing the Maurice Revello Tournament 2018, Joao Filipe made the headlines as he impressed the observers during the U19 Euro won by Portugal. The 19-year-old attacking midfielder has scored five goals and has produced a man-of-the-match performance during the final against Italy (4.3 a.e.t).

The rise of the Benfica wizard continued during the first weeks of the 2018-2019 campaign. Consistent with the Benfica reserve team (3 goals scored in 6 Portuguese Second League games), Jota has also been spectacular. Like illustrated by his demonstration against Bayern Munich (3-0) in Youth League : two goals scored and a number of great skills.

Most recently, he distinguished himself once again thanks to a stunner scored against Bosnia (4-2) in the Euro U21 qualifiers.

Obviously, his introduction to the Benfica first-team was just a matter of time. Eventually, he has been handed his professional debut on October 18th during the Portuguese Cup game against Sertanense (3-0)

The beginning of a long and beautiful story between the Lisbon-born and his childhood club ? This is at least the aim of the president Luis Filipe Vieira. "There are 3 or 4 players that have to be with the senior team next season: Jota, Ferro, Florentino Luís and possibly Chris Willock. If Benfica wants to fight to become European champions again, we'll need to be brave and audacious to give them playing time and we have got the right man for that: Rui Vitória”, he said recently.

The Portuguese youngster has certainly heard the message…

Amayes Brahmi

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