Rafa Silva pressures Mourinho for a spot at Benfica.

Rafa Silva is back at Benfica, but his integration into José Mourinho’s starting XI is far from peaceful. The Portuguese forward, who returned in January after a controversial departure from Besiktas, where he even refused to train and play, is now pressuring the coach with arguments that revolve exclusively around goals and effectiveness on the field.

At 31 years old, Rafa has already scored four goals for Benfica this season, placing him among the team’s top scorers, only behind names like Vangelis Pavlidis and Richard Ríos. However, his reserved and understated attitude during celebrations has left fans suspicious. Many interpret this demeanor as a reflection of the status he holds at the club – far from being the undisputed starter he aspires to be. His prolonged absence from the National Team also weighs on him, having been left out of the selectors’ plans early on.

In the recent derby against Sporting, Rafa came on in the 77th minute to replace Ivanovic and, in stoppage time, scored the winning goal for the Eagles. It was a decisive moment that made him smile for the first time since returning to the Luz, embraced by Pavlidis, demonstrating his importance in crucial moments, even when he is not in peak physical condition.

The clash with Moreirense, who visit the Estádio da Luz this Saturday, presents José Mourinho with a dilemma: to make room for Rafa Silva, capable of destabilizing in various attacking positions, or to maintain the current setup, which includes players like Richard Ríos and Leandro Barreiro. Rafa, who has already scored against Moreirense twice away from home, is pushing to be a starter, supported by his recent goals and his ability for quick and effective finishing.

The question is clear: is there space in a Benfica so structured and tactical under Mourinho for a “free spirit” on the pitch? A player less rigid in defensive duties, but with undeniable talent to create opportunities and score decisive goals? The decision rests with the coach, but the message is clear – Rafa Silva wants to establish himself as a key player in the fight to maintain second place in the league.

Interestingly, only one club in the League has yet to concede goals to Rafa Silva – Casa Pia, an opponent that Benfica will face soon. The pressure to win remains high, and Rafa’s presence or absence on the pitch could be decisive in this final stretch of the season. Mourinho will have to choose: give in to the striker’s appeal or maintain the tactical rigidity that characterizes his Benfica. The battle for second place is intense, and Rafa Silva is determined not to be left out.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.