Spanish arrow in the Champions League

Defending or running down the flank, Grimaldo was a headache for Ziyech and Mazraoui in the 1-all draw between Benfica and Ajax at Estádio da Luz, on matchday 4 of the Champions League Group E. The stats highlight the performance of the left-back.

According to the stats presented by the portals Goal Point and Sofascore, Benfica’s number 3 was the best player of the team against Ajax. The U-21 Spanish international received a score of seven points out of 10.

Offensive wise, Grimaldo made three successful dribbles out of five, an aspect in which he was only overcome by Cervi with four. He also performed 28 passes (75% of efficacy); he carried out three successful long passes in four attempts, an aspect in which he was the best from the team led by Rui Vitória.

Grimaldo's attacking ability is well known, but the main mission of a defender is… to defend! The Spaniard recovered the ball eight times, a situation in which he was only followed by Gabriel, who recovered the ball in three occasions and made two interceptions.

It is also worth mentioning the fact he won more than 50% of the individual duels that he took part in (seven in 13).

Text: Marco Rebelo

Pics: Isabel Cutileiro and João Paulo Trindade / SL Benfica