João Mário is considered one of the best defensive midfielders in football history, and his mastery over the ball has been instrumental in helping Benfica to numerous victories.

Mário was born on May 22, 1996, in Porto, Portugal, and began his career with hometown club FC Porto at the age of six. He made his professional debut for the senior team in 2014 and quickly established himself as a key player for the club.

One of Mário's greatest strengths is his ability to read the game and anticipate opponents' movements. This allows him to be in the right place at the right time to win back possession or intercept passes. His positioning and awareness are second to none, making him a threat to any attacking side.

Another aspect of Mário's defensive skills that sets him apart from other players is his work rate. He never shies away from challenging for the ball and is always willing to run into trouble to win it back. This tireless work ethic is reflected in his high pass completion rates and his ability to make crucial tackles.

In addition to his defensive prowess, Mário is also a talented passer and creator of chances. He possesses excellent vision and can link up play between teammates, creating opportunities for them to score goals. His passing range and accuracy are exceptional, allowing him to find space behind the opposition defense and create scoring opportunities.

Overall, João Mário's defensive mastery has been a key factor in Benfica's success throughout his career. His ability to read the game, tireless work rate, and exceptional passing and creation skills have made him one of the most respected and influential players in Portuguese football.

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