Rúben Dias and 10 other players in the National Team

Rúben Dias and ten other players! Benfica's centre-back was the only player from Portugal who featured in the starting XI against Scotland (a 1-3 win) after playing as a starter in the encounter from matchday 2 of the Nations League against Poland.

Against the Scots, despite being a friendly match, he played again as a starter and put in a very positive performance, according to the platform Wyscout. The centre-back participated in 76 actions in the match and was successful in 59, with an efficiency of 78%. Regarding the pass, Rúben Dias finished the match with 95% efficacy (55 completed passes in 58 attempted) and 83% in long pass (5 in 6). He gave width to his game by carrying out the passes in the last third of the pitch, from which three were successful (75%). Rúben Dias also received 45 passes from his teammates.

However, the Benfica brand was not just noticeable in Rúben Dias. During the encounter, Fernando Santos brought on another two benfiquistas: Gedson and Rafa. The midfielder nurtured at Caixa Futebol Campus came on at 68’ to replace Bruno Fernandes and assisted Bruma for the 1-3; the winger, who had played as a starter against Poland, came on at 90’ to replace Bruma.

Among the players nurtured in Seixal, a special emphasis for Hélder Costa. The winger from Wolverhampton scored a goal in his Portugal senior debut after opening the scoring at Hampden Park (Glasgow) at 44’. The midfielder Renato Sanches (Bayern Munique) was once again an option and came on at 56’.

Text: Marco Rebelo

Pics: FPF