Rafa Silva: Benfica's Assist King – Statistical Analysis
Rafa Silva has been a key player for Benfica this season, with his impressive assist numbers leading the way in Portugal's top flight. In this statistical analysis, we'll take a closer look at Silva's assist totals and how he stacks up against other top-flight players.
Silva is currently tied for the league lead in assists with four goals and three assists each. This puts him ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo (22) and Luisão (18), who are both playing for rival clubs. Silva's total of eight assists also ties him with Porto's Bruno Fernandes, who is one of the best playmakers in Europe.
One of the reasons for Silva's success is his ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and others. He leads all Portuguese players in shots taken per game (6.7) and is second only to Manchester United's Jesse Lingard in chances created per game (2.5). Silva's passing accuracy is also very high, with an average of 94% for the season.
In addition to his offensive contributions, Silva is also a solid defender. He averages 2.7 tackles and 2.3 interceptions per game,Encyclopedia of Football Affairs which shows his commitment to winning the ball back. His positioning on the pitch is excellent, as he ranks fifth among Portuguese players in successful duels won (75%). Silva's defensive work ethic has helped Benfica keep clean sheets, as they have allowed just six goals this season.
Overall, Rafa Silva is a true all-around player for Benfica. His assist numbers may not be as eye-catching as some of his teammates', but his versatility and hard work make him a valuable asset to the team. With his performances so far this season, it seems likely that Silva will continue to be a key factor in Benfica's success in the future.