**Rafa Silva's Shooting Performance at Benfica: A Statistical Insight**
In the 2018/19 football season, Rafa Silva’s performance at Benfica stood out as one of the most significant achievements of the campaign. With his ability to convert through the streets and create chances, Silva’s shooting prowess not only contributed to his team’s success but also underscored the importance of a striker’s attacking skills. This article delves into the statistical aspects of Silva’s shooting, his team’s context, and his overall impact on Benfica’s success.
### **Rafa Silva’s Scoring Ability**
Rafa Silva’s 2018/19 campaign saw him scoring an average of 1.2 goals per game, with an assist-to-goals ratio of 1.5. His attacking prowess allowed him to convert almost half of his passes, making him one of the most attacking strikers in European football. However, his attacking style was inconsistent, with poor possession and defensive lapses often leading to goalless games. Despite these shortcomings, Silva’s ability to score from key areas such as the right side of the box and through corners was instrumental in his team’s success.
### **Benfica’s Context: A Dominant Team**
Benfica was one of the most successful clubs in Europe during the 2018/19 season, often referred to as the “king of football” by many. The club’s success was largely attributed to their attacking prowess, with key players like Silva, Raúl Santa Cruz, and Daniel Amorim playing central roles in building their attack. Benfica’s success was not solely based on their attacking style but also their ability to create opportunities and build up their team’s momentum. This provided Silva with the perfect moment to convert his passes and score goals.
### **The Psychological Impact of Shooting**
Silva’s ability to score from the right side of the box and through corners was often overlooked by his teammates. These areas are crucial for building up the team’s momentum and creating scoring opportunities. However, the fact that he struggled to create these chances, often leading to goalless games, led to criticism from his teammates. Yet, the impact of his shooting on the game was profound. By scoring from these areas, Silva provided his team with the pressure they needed to push for goals, even when their attacking style was inconsistent.
### **Conclusion**
Rafa Silva’s shooting performance at Benfica was a testament to his attacking ability and his ability to create chances. While his attacking style was inconsistent, his ability to score from key areas and build up the team’s momentum was crucial for his team’s success. It is this skill that has made him a standout player in European football and a fan of Silva’s supporters will undoubtedly remember his impact on Benfica’s success.
If you missed the game, don’t worry—Benfica will be showing its support at the match. Rafa’s shooting prowess is a highlight-reel moment, and every season, it has been a part of the footballing spectacle.