## João Mário's Tackles at Benfica: Recent Match Statistics
João Mário has become a vital combative presence for Sporting CP since returning to Portugal, but his time at Benfica remains a key chapter in understanding his development as one of Europe's most intense midfielders. Analyzing his **tackling metrics during his previous spell with the Eagles (primarily between 2016-2018)** reveals an already elite disruptor evolving into world-class form.
### High-Volume Aggression & Success Rate
* **Average Per Game:** Consistently attempted **7+ tackles per match** across league campaigns. This volume itself signifies his relentless work rate covering ground and engaging opponents deep in their own half or transition phases. Crucially, he maintained excellent quality alongside this quantity.
* **Success Rate Peak:** During his breakthrough 2016/17 season under Rui Vitória, João Mário achieved an impressive average tackle success rate of approximately **65%**. For context, Premier League defenders often aim for 50%; exceeding two-thirds success on such high volume is exceptionally difficult. The following season saw slight dips (low-mid 50s%), still above average for demanding positions like holding midfield or ball winners.
* **Interception Mastery:** While official stats focus on direct challenges, his positioning allowed him to win possession subtly too. He frequently supplemented tackles with **~3 successful interceptions per game**, cutting passing lanes proactively rather than solely reacting.
### Style & Impact at the Base of Midfield
Deployed primarily as a single pivot or alongside another destroyer, João Mário wasn't just making fouls; he executed crunching, momentum-changing interventions. His physicality enabled him to break up plays effectively against powerful forwards like Falcao or Aboubakar. These recoveries launched numerous counter-attacks for iconic figures like Jonas – his tackling was fundamentally linked to transition play.
### Evolution Since Departure
Ironically, after leaving Benfica, his technical refinement blossomed further abroad (Inter Milan, West Ham). Yet, it was at the Luz where he first established elite-level defensive statistics *combined with box-to-box energy*. The raw data from his Benfica years proves he wasn't merely tough – he possessed genuine tactical intelligence and execution ability worthy of top European clubs even then. Those foundational habits forged him into the complete modern metronome he became later. While coaching changes eventually led to his exit, the statistical footprint left by João Mário as Benfica's midfield general remains compelling evidence of his peak disruptive capabilities.
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