He's actually a RB and can fill in as a CB and DM. Either you just didn't know him or the article in which you read about him possibly heading to Benfica, his position was wrongly listed as LB.
No, I don't know him. And if you you see my 2nd post about him it says RB. Bigsoccer only allows you to edit posts for 20 mins instead of 2 hours like it use to be before the update. I tried to correct it but 20 minutes had passed, that's why I posted it again, my apologies Metro.
All papers in Portugal are reporting that Benfica have signed 23 year old Hugo Vieira from Gil Vicente to a 4 year deal. Good to see a young Portuguese guy signing, just hope to can get playing time.... http://www.abola.pt/nnh/ver.aspx?id=331862 http://www.record.xl.pt/Futebol/Nacional/1a_liga/Benfica/interior.aspx?content_id=757410 http://www.maisfutebol.iol.pt/benfica/iol/1349179-1456.html
Hugo Viera is great signing. He's stirred once noise in Portugal and was on the 30 man pre-convocado list for Euro. Hope we sell Cardozo because we have Djaniny, Melgarejo, and Jara coming in. And as of right now, Cardozo, Saviola, Rodrigo, and Nelson. Somethings gotta give. Sell Cardozo. Saviola likely to River Plate. Real wants Rodrigo (article on record today 5/17/12). We'll see what happens. Should be an interesting summer with the Euro and all.
That would be a HUGE upgrade from Emerson. Hes faster, stronger, and can use both feet more effectively. Plus Benfica has a good record of converting/working on wingers into defensive wing backs. I would gladly welcome the addition.
Unfortunately I didn't get to watch as many Benfica games as I would've liked but the easiest player to replace IMO is Javi Garcia. I keep reading about the interest but I think he is very overrated based on what I've read. He's a very smart player, very good tactically and defensively but very ordinary when it comes to offensive attributes. Personally, I would rather have a Portuguese player in that position such as Custodio, Veloso, Pele, or even a motivated Amorim. I just think it's an easier position to fill and the money he would generate could be spent elsewhere like on a left back and backup right back. I also hope Kardec gets a fair chance in the preseason. Playing for Santos is a big deal so hopefully he'll be more accustomed to the presure of playing for Benfica.
Emerson was awful. It makes you wonder what their scouts saw. I understand sacrificing defensive ability for offensive ability as a wingback but Emerson had neither. He's way too slow. At the very least an outside back should have decent speed. If he gets beat, he needs to be able to recover and he also needs to have decent speed to attack. i.e. nelson (not the best defender but athletic enough to do the job) Emerson doesn't have athleticism or skill
You can make a case that Javi Garcia has been the most important player on Benfica since he arrived. Benfica often struggles when he is out. It would be a tremendous loss if Javi were to leave.