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Bournemouth's Antonio Silva names Benfica stars who impressed him most

·By Paul Vegas
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Bournemouth's Antonio Silva names Benfica stars who impressed him most

Bournemouth

Bournemouth defender Antonio Silva has picked out the former Benfica teammates who impressed him most, while also naming his standout performers in Portugal's national team.

The 22-year-old centre-back completed a summer move from Benfica to the Premier League club in a deal worth an initial €25 million, with performance-related bonuses potentially increasing the fee to €30 million.

Silva spent several years at Benfica, making 183 appearances for the Lisbon club before moving to England. He has made an encouraging start at Bournemouth, featuring in all seven of his appearances this season from the opening whistle.

The defender recently took part in a series of quick-fire questions for Transfermarkt, selecting former teammates according to their individual qualities. His choices offered an insight into the players he rates most highly after sharing a dressing room with some of Portugal's leading talents.

Asked to identify the Benfica player with the best first touch, Silva selected Rafa Silva. He chose Argentina international Ángel Di María for the best left foot, while former teammate Nicolás Otamendi received recognition for his ability in the air.

Midfielder João Neves was Silva's pick as the most skilful player from his time at Benfica, highlighting the impression made by the young Portugal international before his move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Silva also turned his attention to the Portuguese national team, where he identified several players for their outstanding attributes.

Cristiano Ronaldo was his choice for the best right foot, while Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes was named the most intelligent player on the pitch.

Silva reserved his defensive accolade for his current international teammate Rúben Dias, selecting the Manchester City centre-back as the best defender. AC Milan forward Rafael Leão, meanwhile, was singled out as the most difficult player to stop during training sessions.

The selections brought together experience and emerging talent from both club and international football. Di María and Otamendi have enjoyed distinguished careers, while Neves represents a younger generation of Portuguese players who have established themselves at the highest level.

For Silva, the exercise also offered an opportunity to recognise the qualities of players he has worked alongside rather than focusing solely on individual achievements.

His move to Bournemouth represents a significant new chapter after a lengthy spell at Benfica, where he progressed through the club's system and became a regular member of the senior side.

The Premier League switch gives the Portuguese defender a new environment in which to continue his development. His quick-fire answers also underline the level of talent he encountered in Lisbon and continues to experience with Portugal.