Benfica possible lineups

While pre season moves in and out may not yet be finished and world cup players still aren't back I am looking forward to the possible starting 11 for Benfica with the players we have now.

Standard:

KEEPER (new signing); Maxi, Cesar, Luisao, Andre Almeida; Ruben Amorim, Enzo Perez; Salvio, Gaitan; Lima e Derley.

Alternatively:

KEEPER (new signing); Maxi, Cesar, Luisao, Benito/Djavan; Andre Almeida, Enzo Perez; Salvio, Talisca, Gaitan; Lima.

If Enzo is sold:

KEEPER (new signing); Maxi, Cesar, Luisao, Benito/Djavan; Andre Almeida, Ruben Amorim; Salvio, Gaitan; Derley e Lima.

If Gaitan is sold as well then change him for Ola John.

Those lineups are solid and with the tuff pre season matches coming up should get finely tuned by the season kickoff.

They definitely need a keeper.  From what I saw of Benito today and of Djavan last season for Academica, I don't think left defence will be the problem it once was before Siqueira.  We know for certain that Andre Almeida can play the position well.  If Gaitan or Enzo are sold we can be certain that top quality additions will be added immediately to help offset their loss.  Upfront I don't think Derley represents any loss of quality vis-a-vis Rodrigo.  Rodrigo plays for Spain's U-23 and is very young so that is why he is rated so well.  But in reality is is not better than Derley.  And Derley scored 8 more goals than him in the league last season.   The attack is fine, the defence is fine.  Goalie is a huge problem right now.  If any of the top midfielders leave, excellent replacements will be brought in.  In any event the midfield will still have many excellent players even if Gaitan and Enzo leave.  In that scenario we would have at least:  Salvio and Ola John to start; backups including: Sulejmani, Cavaleiro,  Talisca, Candeias, Ruben Amorim and Andre Almeida. and possibly Nelson Oliveira and Bernardo Silva if they are kept around and not loaned out.  Also Farina.  Lets not forget about him as he is excellent.

Given the abundance of midfield talent I think Benfica should capitalize and sell one of Gaitan or Enzo.  But not both as we need to have some continuity in midfield