Parks and recreation in Lisbon: Keaton at NYCFC (on loan from Benfica)

Just drew a red against the opposition

 

Almost drew a penalty. It was questionable but most refs would have called it.

#SLBenficaB | 0-0 | ⏱ 70' Keaton derrubado na área quando se preparava para cabecear uma bola de Pedro Amaral!

— SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) August 19, 2017

 

Frustrating game to watch, a lot of selfish players

 

I couldn't agree more. On the other hand, Keaton appeared a notch above most of the rest at times. He'd start moves and they would just ignore what he was trying to do. Benfica really should have beaten this ten man Famalicão.

 

I hope he starts and destroys Varzim tomorrow.

 

Kinda of the same thing today, lots of individual play so far

 

Almost got an assist when they finally combined with him.

 

Keaton parks was easily the best player that half for me because he always made the right play. Most of the rest of the team play like they will be cut if they dont make the spectacular play every time.

 

So, what was the final outcome.

 

Subbed off at 60

 

How odd, from the report he was one of the better players yet, he got sub off at min. 60

 

His previous appearances were off the bench right? He may not have played 60 minutes of competitive football since last winter. Probably monitoring fitness.

 

Good point.

 

Anyone willing to translate some Portuguese fan forum comments? I always like seeing the die hards opinions.

 

The coach prob wanted a diff look, but the amount of times his great runs were missed/ignore was amazing. I expected a higher level of play from a benfica b side.

 

Yes, I got the same impression from one of their telecast games, Benefica B is below par from the top 7 2BL teams .

 

Run Google Translate. The results are quite readable, grammatically.

Accuracy might be an issue, but these are fansite posts; subtlety and nuance won't be much in evidence but categorical imperative will.

Now I wonder which website that reminds me of . . .

 

https://serbenfiquista.com/forum/equipa-b/keaton-parks-(varzim)-o-jogo/405/

"This kid is filling me up. Intelligent, game vision, good little feet. Yes ma'am!"

"Very interesting player indeed. Despite being a little shy yet, it is noted that he has immense technical quality and criterion with ball. Nice assist for Benfica's second goal."

"This one already knew him, as soon as he started to have serious minutes, he removes anyone in the middle field, either 6 or 8, has physical power, poe the ball where he wants without wasting time to beautify, as it has not beautiful without, only Play 2 rhythms, slowly and slowly ... to see if it improves in this aspect and if it can become uninhibited, even knowing that 2 have the place almost offered ..."

"Looks like an Eric Dier at 18. I may be wrong."

"Now yes, I'm sure it will yield sporty and financially."

"Like. Has a touch of ball well above average."

"Good game. He's smart and very precise on the pass. Despite playing with low intensity, it is smart to read the game. With more rhythm of game, will be better player yet."

 

sounds like one fan is trying to say that he has 2 speeds - slow and slower.

that's been my only concern regarding his requisites for playing in the top flight of one of the big 4. fans seem to like him other than that.

 

That's what they said about el Pibe

 

Who was playing in a very different era, when the game had a very different tolerance for someone with his, shall we say, "marked economy of movement."

Classic No. 10s just don't get the time on the ball any more. One reason why, for example, Riquelme's career never quite hit the heights expected.

 

Valderrama struggled mightily at Montpellier, even losing his place on the team, until they built a squad around and won the French Cup.
I agree it's a different time and Keaton needs to up the pace of his game but I think he just needs time to adjust.

 

El Pibe created that space with his crazy gumby-like legs. His legs did things others can't and his passes were spectacular. You're probably right he wouldn't be able to do now what he did then but he may be an exception.

 

Definitely. I don't expect him to be starting/going 90' too often before late October. He's new to the team, has missed the pre-season, and has spent the second half of last season not playing, so Benfica won't want to push him to full match-fitness for a month or so.

Since this is their development squad, there's less pressure and a month or two longer before getting the most out of Keaton beats hamstring and other strain injuries from rushing him back. I wouldn't be surprised if that had been a consideration when he chose Benfica over other options.