# João Mário's Assist Statistics at Benfica: A Keymetrician Evaluation
João Mário, the versatile Portuguese midfielder, has been a key asset for Benfica since his arrival in 2019. Known for his creativity, work rate, and ability to read the game, João Mário's assist statistics at Benfica have been a highlight of his performance in Lisbon. This article evaluates his assist contributions and their impact on the team.
## João Mário's Role as an Attacking Midfielder
João Mário operates primarily as an attacking midfielder, a position that requires a blend of vision, passing accuracy, and the ability to create chances for teammates. His role in Benfica's system is crucial, as he often acts as a playmaker, orchestrating attacks and providing opportunities for forwards and wingers. His assist statistics reflect his effectiveness in this role.
## Assessing João Mário's Assist Numbers
Over the past few seasons, João Mário has consistently contributed to Benfica's goal tally through his assists. For the 2022-23 season, João Mário has been directly involved in multiple goals, showcasing his ability to break down defenses. His ability to find teammates in advanced positions has been a key factor in Benfica's attacking play.
Moreover, João Mário's assist statistics highlight his adaptability. He has been able to adjust to different formations and playing styles, whether Benfica are dominating possession or counter-attacking. This versatility has made him a valuable asset in creating goal-scoring opportunities.
## Contextualizing João Mário's Contributions
Benfica's style of play under coach Roger Schmidt emphasizes fluidity and creativity in the final third. João Mário's ability to deliver precise passes into the box aligns perfectly with this philosophy. His assists have often led to goals for teammates like Rafa Silva, Enes Unal, and Nicolas Otamendi, who have been instrumental in scoring.
The Portuguese midfielder's ability to thread passes through crowded areas is a testament to his technical skill. His vision and positional awareness make him a difficult player to mark, leading to many of his assists being the result of clever play.
## Consistency and Adaptability
One of the standout aspects of João Mário's performance at Benfica has been his consistency. He has consistently delivered high assist numbers, which is a reflection of his reliability in critical moments. Additionally, his adaptability to different systems has allowed him to maintain his effectiveness, even when Benfica have faced defensive challenges.
## Comparing João Mário to Peers
When evaluating João Mário's assist statistics, it's important to compare him to other top midfielders in Europe. Players like Modesto, Ruben, and others often set the standard for assist contributions. While João Mário may not consistently achieve the highest assist numbers, his ability to impact games in a variety of ways makes him a unique asset.
## Conclusion
João Mário's assist statistics at Benfica are a key metric in understanding his value to the club. His creativity, vision, and ability to create chances have made him a standout performer in Lisbon. As Benfica continue to compete at the highest level, João Mário's role as an attacking midfielder will remain crucial. His contributions not only highlight his own talent but also reinforce Benfica's reputation as a club that values creative, attacking football.