Benfica Vs OGC Nice: Player Ratings & Analysis

by Jhon Lennon 47 views

Alright, guys, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of the Benfica vs. OGC Nice match! We're breaking down the player ratings and giving you a detailed analysis of how each player performed. Get ready for some insights!

Benfica Player Ratings

Goalkeeper

  • Odysseas Vlachodimos - Rating: 7/10

Vlachodimos had a solid game between the sticks. He made a couple of crucial saves that kept Benfica in the lead. His distribution was also on point, launching several quick counter-attacks. However, there were a few moments where his positioning could have been better, but overall, a reliable performance. He commanded his area well, and his confidence seemed to boost the defense in front of him. A clean sheet would have been the cherry on top, but he can't be blamed for the goal conceded. Vlachodimos continues to prove why he's Benfica's number one.

Defenders

  • Alexander Bah - Rating: 6.5/10

Bah showed promise with his overlapping runs and defensive contributions. His energy down the right flank was noticeable, providing width in attack and tracking back diligently. Still, he was caught out of position a few times, leading to some nervy moments. His tackling was generally clean, but he needs to improve his awareness to avoid unnecessary fouls. On the attacking end, his crosses were a mixed bag, with some finding their target and others sailing harmlessly out of play. Overall, a decent showing with room for improvement.

  • António Silva - Rating: 7.5/10

Silva was a rock at the heart of Benfica's defense. His reading of the game was exceptional, making several key interceptions and clearances. He was dominant in the air, winning almost every aerial duel. Moreover, his composure on the ball allowed Benfica to play out from the back with confidence. He organized the defensive line effectively, ensuring that Nice's attackers found it difficult to break through. A mature and assured performance from the young center-back.

  • Nicolás Otamendi - Rating: 7/10

Otamendi brought his characteristic grit and experience to the defense. He was uncompromising in his tackling and provided a physical presence that Nice's forwards struggled to cope with. His leadership was evident, constantly communicating with his teammates and keeping them focused. Nevertheless, he did have a couple of moments where his aggression led to fouls in dangerous areas. Overall, a solid display from the veteran defender.

  • David Jurásek - Rating: 6/10

Jurásek had a mixed game at left-back. He showed glimpses of his attacking ability, getting forward to support the attack and delivering some decent crosses. However, he was often caught out defensively, leaving space for Nice to exploit. His tackling was inconsistent, and he sometimes struggled to contain his opponent. Needs to improve his defensive discipline to become a more reliable option.

Midfielders

  • João Neves - Rating: 8/10

Neves was the standout performer in midfield. His energy and work rate were infectious, covering every blade of grass and winning back possession tirelessly. He was also composed on the ball, dictating the tempo of the game with his accurate passing. In addition, he made some important tackles and interceptions, disrupting Nice's attacks. His performance was a masterclass in midfield control.

  • Orkun Kökçü - Rating: 7/10

Kökçü provided a creative spark in midfield. His passing range was impressive, spraying the ball around the pitch with accuracy and vision. He also contributed defensively, tracking back to help win back possession. Although, he did have a few moments where he lost the ball in dangerous areas, but overall, a positive contribution.

  • Ángel Di María - Rating: 8.5/10

Di María was a constant threat to Nice's defense. His dribbling skills were mesmerizing, gliding past defenders with ease. He created numerous chances for his teammates with his incisive passing and dangerous crosses. Plus, he capped off his performance with a well-taken goal. A vintage display from the Argentine maestro.

Forwards

  • Rafa Silva - Rating: 7.5/10

Silva was a lively presence in attack, constantly running at the Nice defense and causing problems with his pace and movement. He linked up well with his teammates and created several scoring opportunities. Even though he didn't get on the scoresheet himself, his contribution was vital.

  • Arthur Cabral - Rating: 6/10

Cabral had a quiet game upfront. He struggled to get involved in the play and didn't have many clear-cut chances. His hold-up play was decent, but he needs to offer more of a threat in front of goal. Hence, a disappointing performance.

  • João Mário - Rating: 6.5/10

Mário worked hard upfront, pressing the Nice defense and trying to create opportunities. He had a couple of decent shots, but nothing that really troubled the goalkeeper. However, he needs to improve his finishing to become a more consistent goal threat.

OGC Nice Player Ratings

Goalkeeper

  • Marcin Bułka - Rating: 6/10

Bułka had a relatively quiet game, but he couldn't do much about the goals he conceded. His distribution was decent, but he didn't have many opportunities to showcase his shot-stopping ability. Also, he seemed hesitant coming off his line.

Defenders

  • Jordan Lotomba - Rating: 5.5/10

Lotomba struggled to contain Benfica's attacking threats down the right flank. He was often caught out of position and didn't offer enough going forward. Thus, a disappointing performance.

  • Jean-Clair Todibo - Rating: 6.5/10

Todibo was the best of Nice's defenders. He made some important interceptions and clearances, and his tackling was generally solid. Although, he couldn't prevent Benfica from scoring.

  • Dante - Rating: 6/10

Dante brought his experience to the defense, but he was often outpaced by Benfica's attackers. His positioning was generally good, but he struggled to cope with the movement of Silva and Di Maria. In conclusion, age is catching up.

  • Melvin Bard - Rating: 5/10

Bard had a difficult game at left-back. He was constantly under pressure from Benfica's wingers and struggled to provide any attacking threat. Therefore, a poor showing.

Midfielders

  • Youssouf Ndayishimiye - Rating: 6/10

Ndayishimiye worked hard in midfield, but he was often outmuscled by Benfica's midfielders. His passing was inconsistent, and he didn't offer enough creativity. Hence, average.

  • Khéphren Thuram - Rating: 6.5/10

Thuram showed glimpses of his quality in midfield, but he was unable to influence the game consistently. His dribbling was good, but he needs to improve his decision-making. However, potential is there.

  • Gaëtan Laborde - Rating: 5.5/10

Laborde struggled to get involved in the game. His passing was poor and he didn't create any chances for his teammates. Thus, ineffective.

Forwards

  • Sofiane Diop - Rating: 6/10

Diop had a quiet game upfront. He didn't have many clear-cut chances, and his link-up play was poor. Also, lacked sharpness.

  • Terem Moffi - Rating: 6.5/10

Moffi worked hard upfront, but he was starved of service. He had a couple of decent shots, but nothing that troubled the goalkeeper. Although, isolated.

  • Evann Guessand - Rating: 5/10

Guessand barely touched the ball after coming on as a late substitute. Thus, no impact.

Key Takeaways

  • Benfica's Midfield Dominance: Benfica's midfield, led by the outstanding João Neves and the creative Ángel Di María, completely dominated the game. Their energy, work rate, and passing accuracy were too much for Nice to handle.

  • Nice's Defensive Struggles: Nice's defense looked shaky and struggled to contain Benfica's attacking threats. Lotomba and Bard had particularly difficult games, while Dante was often outpaced.

  • Di María's Masterclass: Ángel Di María rolled back the years with a vintage performance. His dribbling, passing, and goal were a joy to watch.

  • Cabral's Disappointing Performance: Arthur Cabral failed to make an impact upfront for Benfica. He needs to offer more of a threat in front of goal.

Conclusion

Benfica were the clear winners in this match, and their player ratings reflect their dominance. Nice will need to improve significantly if they want to compete with Benfica in the future. That's all for the player ratings, folks! Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!