Rafael Quintas

Rafael Quintas is a 17 years old Portuguese under 17 international who stands at 1.72m tall. Defensive midfielder who stands out for his ability to simplify processes, manage the pace of play and add quality in the first phase of build-up play. Good under pressure, capable of hiding the ball from opponents and is assertive in passing. An intense player who reveals good positional sense and a good reading of the game.

Right-footed, fast, agile player with the physical stamina to play the entire 90 minutes with the same intensity. A simple defensive midfielder who demonstrates a good relationship with the ball and good short dribbling skills. He has the ability to drop down the field to take control of the game and add quality in the first phase of construction, connecting the defense with the attacking sector from the inside. He shows the ability to break pressure lines through short or long passes, placing the ball deep for teammates to run through and through progression in the dribble. He is assertive in passing, always delivering the ball well, has good decision-making and is able to manage the pace of the game, pausing or speeding up the game when necessary. He is strong in short spaces, capable of escaping the opponent's pressure, hiding the ball well through short dribbling. Defensively, he shows good positional sense and spatial awareness, always being in the right place and closing down and occupying spaces well. He often recovers possession, is strong in defensive 1v1 situations where he shows good tackling skills. He shows good reading of the game, is strong in marking his direct opponent and is good in the air. He is an intelligent athlete, who shows good vision of the game and leadership characteristics. His weak point is his physical aspect, which is why he loses some physical duels. A player with potential who was elected as the best player in this European U17. Captain of the national team who usually plays for the club's U19 team. In the near future, I see him continuing to develop at Benfica until he reaches the main team where he promises to be a great figure for this club in the future.