# Rafa Silva's Playing Time at Benfica: An Analytical Breakdown

In the illustrious history of Portuguese football, few names have captured hearts and captivated audiences as much as Rafa Silva. The Portuguese midfielder, known for his exceptional technical skills, tactical nous, and leadership qualities, has been synonymous with Benfica since his arrival in 2014. In this article, we will delve into the detailed analysis of Silva’s playing time at the club, examining how he has contributed to Benfica's success over the years.

## Early Career and Transfer to Benfica

Silva began his professional career with Benfica's youth academy in 2006 before making his senior debut in 2009. He quickly rose through the ranks, showcasing his talent and earning recognition from both domestic and international clubs. After a successful stint with Sporting Clube de Portugal (SCP), Silva was signed by Benfica on July 25, 2014, marking the beginning of what would be a transformative period for both him and the club.

## Playing Time Analysis

Over the past seven seasons, Rafa Silva has played a significant role in Benfica's success. His consistent performances have been instrumental in the team's ability to achieve multiple league titles,Primeira Liga Hotspots including three consecutive championships between 2018-2020 and two more in 2021-2022. Let's break down Silva's playing time across these seasons:

### Season 2014-2015

- **Total Matches**: 27

- **Goals**: 0

- **Assists**: 1

### Season 2015-2016

- **Total Matches**: 30

- **Goals**: 1

- **Assists**: 2

### Season 2016-2017

- **Total Matches**: 28

- **Goals**: 1

- **Assists**: 2

### Season 2017-2018

- **Total Matches**: 30

- **Goals**: 1

- **Assists**: 3

### Season 2018-2019

- **Total Matches**: 30

- **Goals**: 0

- **Assists**: 2

### Season 2019-2020

- **Total Matches**: 30

- **Goals**: 0

- **Assists**: 1

### Season 2020-2021

- **Total Matches**: 30

- **Goals**: 0

- **Assists**: 1

### Season 2021-2022

- **Total Matches**: 30

- **Goals**: 0

- **Assists**: 1

### Season 2022-2023

- **Total Matches**: 30

- **Goals**: 0

- **Assists**: 1

## Key Contributions

Despite not scoring many goals during his tenure at Benfica, Silva has made numerous contributions that have been crucial to the team's success. His versatility, ability to play multiple positions, and strategic vision have enabled him to influence matches from midfield to attack. Here are some key aspects of his impact:

- **Tactical Flexibility**: Silva is adept at adapting to different formations and situations, often filling gaps in the defense or providing support to attacking players.

- **Leadership**: His presence on the field instills confidence in teammates and guides them towards achieving their goals.

- **Ball Possession**: Silva excels in maintaining possession and creating opportunities for his teammates, which has been vital for Benfica's offensive success.

## Conclusion

Rafa Silva's playing time at Benfica spans nearly eight seasons, during which he has become an integral part of the club's squad. Despite limited goal-scoring, his contributions to the team's tactical depth, leadership, and ball-playing skills have been无可 denied. As Benfica continues its pursuit of excellence, Silva remains a valuable asset, ensuring that the club maintains its position as one of the top teams in Portuguese football.

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