In recent years, João Mário has become one of the most influential defenders in Portuguese football, and his contributions to Benfica have been particularly noteworthy. This article will explore some key aspects of João Mário's defensive performance, including his ability to tackle effectively and his impact on the team's defense.
Firstly, it is important to note that João Mário was born in Portugal but spent much of his career playing for clubs in Europe such as Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Real Madrid. He began his professional career with Sporting CP in 2011 before moving to Manchester United where he made his debut in 2014. In addition to his impressive performances on the pitch, Mário also played an essential role in helping Manchester United achieve success in Europe during his time there.
One of João Mário's most notable achievements was his performance in the Champions League final against Manchester City in 2018. Despite being heavily favored by many fans and pundits alike, Mário showed great composure and determination in the penalty shootout, resulting in a 5-4 victory for Manchester United. This was a significant achievement for the club and helped them secure their first European trophy since 2016.
However, it is not just about scoring goals. Mário's defensive contributions often involve tackling players who are attempting to disrupt or get past him. This can be seen in his tackles during matches, whether they result in goals or not. For example,Football World Focus Network in a match against FC Porto in 2017, Mário tackled several players who were trying to disrupt his progress, ultimately leading to a corner kick which led to a goal for Manchester United. Similarly, in a game against Liverpool in 2019, Mário tackled several players who were trying to disrupt his progress, ultimately leading to a goal for Manchester United.
Another aspect of João Mário's defensive contribution is his ability to make crucial saves. During the 2019-20 season, Mário saved several important goals from penalties and missed crucial shots for Manchester United, ensuring that the club reached the semi-finals of the Europa League. He also made several critical saves throughout the season, including a save in a crucial penalty shootout against Liverpool, which ultimately secured a place in the UEFA Champions League.
In conclusion, João Mário's defensive contributions to Benfica have been exceptional. His ability to tackle effectively and his impact on the team's defense have earned him a place among the greatest defenders in Portuguese football. However, it is important to remember that he is just one of many talented defenders who have contributed to Benfica's success over the years.