Benfica are using Benfica B to give Anísio Cabral and José Neto the minutes they cannot get in the first team. Cabral scored the winning goal against Felgueiras in Seixal in the seventh round of Liga 2, played 60 minutes and now has only four appearances for Benfica B. José Neto played the full 90 minutes in the same match, while Marco Silva watched on from the stands.

Benfica's development plan for the pair

A Bola described the setup as part of Marco Silva's plan and the wider professional structure's plan to give them competition the first team cannot offer. That fits the way Benfica have handled both teenagers so far. Cabral was used for an hour against Felgueiras and is still being brought along carefully, while Neto is being given a full competitive load in the B team rather than being forced into first-team minutes.

The point is not that either player is hidden from senior football. Cabral already scored the winner against Alverca in February, one minute after coming on, and Neto completed 90 minutes against Hearts in the second leg of the third qualifying round for the Europa League league phase and set up Lukebakio's goal. Benfica are trying to keep both close while still slowing the rush.

What Benfica are protecting

A Bola also said Neto needs to develop his best qualities, correct some mistakes and gain more tools in the competitive context of the B team, without urgency and under less pressure. That is the more interesting part of the story. Benfica are in a strong enough domestic position to avoid turning every promising teenager into an emergency first-team option, and the club seems determined not to skip steps with either player.

Tomás Araújo is the level they are working towards in the first team, with eight Primeira Liga appearances this season and a 7.27 average rating. Cabral and Neto are not there yet, and Benfica are acting like a club that knows the difference between talent and readiness.

Benfica are likely to use the pair later this month against Gil Vicente at the Luz in the semi-final of the Taça da Liga.

Written by Sam Whitfield with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →