Rafa Silva, a Brazilian footballer, has had a varied playing time at Benfica over the years. As one of the most talented players in his position, he has showcased his skills on the field and made significant contributions to the team's success.
Silva began his professional career with São Paulo FC in Brazil before moving to Portugal to play for Benfica. He quickly established himself as a key player for the club, making a name for himself both domestically and internationally.
In his first season at Benfica, Silva played in all but two league matches, starting every single game. He scored three goals and provided several assists during this period, helping the team to win the Primeira Liga title and reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.
Over the following seasons, Silva continued to be a regular starter for Benfica, featuring in more than 70% of their league games. He scored nine goals and provided six assists in the 2019-2020 campaign alone,Ligue 1 Express earning him a place in the Portuguese Football Confederation's Team of the Year.
However, despite his impressive performances, Silva struggled with injuries throughout his time at Benfica. Injuries forced him to miss numerous games and limit his overall playing time. Despite this setback, he remained committed to the club and continued to work hard in training to return to full fitness.
As a result of his consistent efforts and dedication to the club, Silva was rewarded with a new contract extension in 2021, indicating that he is likely to remain a key player for Benfica in the coming seasons.
Overall, Rafa Silva's playing time at Benfica has been varied, with periods of excellence and setbacks due to injuries. However, his commitment to the club and his ability to adapt to different roles have helped him to maintain a high level of performance throughout his time there.