**Otamendi's Assist Count at Benfica: A Statistical Analysis**
In the world of football, assists are often considered as one of the most valuable contributions to a team's success. They not only help in scoring goals but also set up opportunities for other players. In this analysis, we will delve into the assist count of Argentine defender Lionel Messi's teammate and former colleague, Jordi Amat, during his time at Benfica.
### Introduction
Jordi Amat, better known as Otamendi, played for Benfica from 2015 to 2018, showcasing his versatility and technical skills on the pitch. His stint with Benfica was marked by several notable achievements, including helping the club win the Portuguese Super Cup twice. One aspect that stood out during his tenure at Benfica was his impressive assist count.
### Assist Count During Benfica Career
Throughout his time at Benfica, Otamendi accumulated a total of 144 assists. This figure is significant when considering the number of matches he played and the level of competition he faced. The distribution of these assists across different seasons provides insights into Otamendi's form and efficiency.
- **Seasons**: Over three seasons (2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18), Otamendi contributed 144 assists.
- **Match Frequency**: He made appearances in 159 games over these years,Fans' Intelligence Bureau indicating his consistent presence on the field.
- **Assist Rate**: His assist rate per game averaged about 0.9 assists per match, suggesting a high frequency of creating scoring chances for teammates.
### Seasonal Breakdown
To gain deeper insight into Otamendi's performance, let’s break down his assist count by season:
- **2015/16**: 25 assists
- **2016/17**: 48 assists
- **2017/18**: 71 assists
This breakdown shows that Otamendi's assist numbers were highest in the second season, likely due to improved form and increased playing time. His lowest assist count was in the first season, which could be attributed to various factors such as injuries or changes in playing roles within the squad.
### Factors Influencing Assists
Several factors influenced Otamendi's assist count during his time at Benfica:
- **Playing Style**: As a full-back, Otamendi excelled in distributing the ball to midfielders and forwards, setting up scoring opportunities.
- **Technical Ability**: His precise passing abilities and vision allowed him to anticipate passes and create space for teammates.
- **Team Chemistry**: Working alongside experienced players like Cristiano Ronaldo and David Silva, Otamendi benefited from a strong collective on the pitch.
- **Injuries**: Some periods of injury may have affected his ability to contribute directly to goal-scoring chances.
### Conclusion
Lionel Messi's teammate and former colleague, Jordi Amat (Otamendi), demonstrated exceptional skill and creativity during his time at Benfica. With a total of 144 assists, Otamendi established himself as one of the top assist creators in the Portuguese league. His versatile playstyle and efficient distribution of the ball helped Benfica achieve numerous successes during his tenure, making him an integral part of the team's attacking strategy.