### Nicolás Otamendi: Benfica Pass Success Rate Analysis

Nicolás Otamendi has been making headlines recently with his impressive performances for Manchester City and the Argentina national team. However, it's worth noting that he had a successful stint at Benfica earlier in his career, which is often overlooked. Let’s delve into how well he performed during his time at Benfica.

#### Early Career at Benfica (2015-2018)

Nicolás Otamendi made his debut for Benfica on September 7, 2015, against Sporting CP. Over the next three years, he quickly established himself as one of the club's most important players. His success can be attributed to several factors:

1. **Technical Skill**: Otamendi was known for his excellent technical skills, particularly his ability to control the ball and create opportunities through clever passes.

2. **Passing Accuracy**: One of his standout qualities was his accuracy when passing the ball. He demonstrated this consistently throughout his time at Benfica, contributing significantly to the team's attacking play.

3. **Leadership**: Otamendi showed leadership both on and off the pitch. He helped guide young players towards becoming more confident and skilled footballers.

4. **Physical Attributes**: His physical presence and stamina were crucial in supporting the defense and breaking down opposition attacks.

#### Statistical Analysis

To quantify his performance, we can look at some key statistics from his tenure at Benfica:

- **Passes Completed**: In total, he completed over 6,000 passes out of 7,000 attempted passes during his time at Benfica.

- **Pass Success Rate**: This rate indicates how many of these passes resulted in goal-scoring chances or assists. The pass success rate was exceptionally high, averaging around 90%.

- **Dribbles Attempted & Conceded**: He successfully dribbled past defenders about 4 times per game, while conceding only 1 time per game, showcasing his defensive prowess.

#### Conclusion

Nicolás Otamendi's time at Benfica was marked by significant success, primarily due to his exceptional passing abilities. His success rate of approximately 90% for passes completed demonstrates his reliability and effectiveness on the field. Additionally, his contributions to goal-scoring chances and assists further highlight his impact on the team's overall performance. As a result, his time at Benfica is considered a golden period in his career, cementing his status as one of the top midfielders of his generation.

• Pass
• Success
• Benfica
• Nicol
• Otamendi