The havoc that Jonas causes

Recent winner of the Cosme Damião award in the category of Footballer of the Year, Jonas was influential, with goals and assists, in Benfica's three last official matches (against Belenenses, Dinamo Zagreb and Moreirense) and showed the havoc he is able to cause in opponents' defenses and nets.

On March 11, Benfica welcomed Belenenses to Estádio da Luz in round 25 of the Liga NOS. Despite the draw (2-2), the performance of the Reds was marked by Jonas' to the starting XI in League matches.

Apart from the goal scored with a classy finish after André Almeida’s cross on the right, the eagles’ number 10 had 77% pass accuracy and 67% efficacy in the aerial duels. The Brazilian was also the athlete who executed more smart passes in this round,according to the platform Wyscout.

Between the two Championship matches, the men under Bruno Lage fought against Dinamo Zagreb for a place in the quarterfinals of the Europa League. The 2nd leg held at Estádio da Luz was only decided in extra-time, and the Benfica supporters were once again able to witness Jonas'goal-scoring ability.

The Brazilian striker came on at the beginning of the second half, scored the goal that put the tie back on level terms and, already in extra-time, he provided the assist for Grimaldo's stunner (3-0), that sealed Benfica’s qualification for the Europa League quarterfinals, where they will face the Germans of Eintracht Frankfurt.

Jonas only came on at 46', but, according to the platform Sofascore, had 80% pass accuracy and was the Benfica player who shot the most with four attempts.

The European night was followed by the trip to Moreira de Cónegos (matchday 26 of the Liga NOS). The Reds beat Moreirense (0-4) and the striker was once again in the starting lineup. He did not score, but he assisted Rafa for the 0-3. Apart from the assist, he won three offensive duels and had 66% pass accuracy.

Overall, in this edition of the Liga NOS, Jonas played 15 matches, nine as a starter, and has an average of 56 minutes played per game. The striker has 10 goals scored in the competition, such as João Félix and Rafa, being this trio, at Benfica, only surpassed Seferovic (15). Pistolas is also the player from the eagles who needs the least time to score in the 2018/19 Championship (he scores a goal every 85 minutes).

Text: Diogo Nascimento

Pics: SL Benfica