JOAO NEVES : THE ANATOMY OF A MIDFIELD DYNAMO.
Joao Neves encapsulates the idea of a ' Universal Midfielder' in every sense of the word — A controller, destroyer and creator. He’s only 19, but worthy of every praise in football’s high table discussions.
He physically profiles a ' pint/mini-sized ' - short in stature ( 5'9 tall ), small in frame . Conventionally, Joao is hard wired to dominate in small spaces.
• Deceptively quick in small spaces.
• Powerful across short distances.
• Resistant to body contact within small radiuses.
Joao optimizes his body profile to navigate through complex game situations. Has the rhythmic flow of a gymnast in space - his actions are clothed in speed, power and balance.
Simplifying Joao's actions - the fundamentals of a Midfield Dynamo. ⬇️
1. RECEIVING AND PASSING.
Joao is a graceful deep receiver/ Half back. He is technically secure enough to sit between or ahead of the CBs when playing out from the back. Has the mental repose to sustain connecting passing patterns/ progress the ball through the middle and wider areas. Joao receives 65.72 passes per 90.
Joao Neves ( RDM ) vs RL Salzburg. ⬇️
• Positioned ahead of CBs.
• Exchanges most passes with the LCB.
• A safe passing option for the GK.
Joao can dictate is an outlet in posession - he can dictate circulatory play conjointly with operating as a circulatory option . Has the authority and subtle alchemy of a midfielder well-drilled within the compass of Spanish football.
• Identifies spaces and patterns on the pitch.
• Recognizes his teammates and opposition movement in relation to his own.
• Selects the appropriate passing technique.
According to fbref, Joao has completes 69.97 passes per 90. ( 88.0% accuracy) His pass volume and range is a tad lower than those of the Europe's best passers : Rodri, Kroos , De Jong. However, he exerts an almost similar level of influence in retaining posession, and facilitating attack as much as they do.
Within Benfica's set-up, Joao passing prowess is useful particularly in :
• Creating new attacking angles.
• Dissecting compact blocks.
• Navigating 1v1 situations.
2. PROTECTING THE BALL.
Joao's superlative piece of skill is perhaps his ability to retain possession - makes it difficult to knock off the ball. His actions are enhanced - bears semblance to a cyborg. Mechanized to perfection in every touch and turn.
He has a gravitational pull on the ball and mastery of body control - shifting weight, holding off markers. In high pressure situations, Joao can perform seamless transitions between actions.
• Harmony between dynamic stability and swift response.
• Light, nimble and well coordinated dribbles.
• Modifying body feints adapt and control new situations.
Joao has much the same trump card as Messi and Iniesta. A low centre of centre of gravity and strong core. In congested space, he is quicker, niftier, has good close control and can execute multiple changes in direction to unbalance his markers.
Joao completes 1.41 take-ons per 90, averagely 50.7 accuracy - the audaciousness and extreme technicality to attempt such high-risk actions is highly satisfying.
🔗 : [https://twitter.com/SLBenfica/status/1737945733318283429?t=b3M3jl0X8g8BKVl6_T8uWw&s=19 ]
3. RESTRICTING SPACE.
Joao has the cognitive intelligence, soul and nonchalance of a seasoned ' destroyer ' in defending situations. Reads the ball carrier movement with a mental map of his next action. He prepares his body to react in correspondence to the challenge posed.
Joao's short stature compels him to act with power, precision and a sense of good timing. He takes defensive responsibility alongside being instructed to do so.
• Closing down a ball carrier.
• Crouching to the grounding.
• Nicking the ball away.
Joao Neves vs Tolouse.
• 4 tackles won. ( Most in the match )
• 12 recoveries.
• 7/10 ground duels won.
Most of defensive actions are within the defensive and middle third - Joao restricts the opposition 's wide and central progression.
4. SUITABLE ROLE(S) AND GAME CONDITIONS.
Joao has an expansive skill set - does well in all phases and conditions therein. Hugely important for clubs drawn to this player type to identify his most valuable skill as a " small space specialist".
Even for a player of his talent and character, if/when instructed to cover large spaces his performances will be compromised. For instance, Joao isn't best suited as a lone defensive Midfielder. It is simply outside the confines of his physical capacity.
Joao would do well as:
• Double pivot CM/DM in a 4-2-3-1 layout.
• RCM/LCM in a 4-3-3 layout.
• Potentially at RB - but may put a cap on his ceiling.
In this positional roles and in pockets of space, Joao *will* reliably affect games during :
• Slow-build up.
• Wide and central overloads.
• Defending wide channels.
5. CAREER PROJECTION.
Joao's €120.00m release clause is pricey, inexact of his true valuation - closer to a €75M player within the context of his academy background and exposure in senior football at club and international level.
Joao Neves is represented by influential football agent, Jorge Mendes. In abstract, the 19y/o should be warming up for a move away from Benfica this summer.
Manchester City have huge financial traction and interpersonal relationship with Benfica to conclude a deal notwithstanding interest from rivals, Manchester United who have a similar profile in Kobbie Mainoo.
^ MT.
