### Otamendi's Impressive Assist Record at Benfica: A Statistical Breakdown
#### Introduction
Luisão Otamendi, affectionately known as "Pepe," has been a cornerstone of Benfica's defense since his arrival in 2011. Known for his leadership and defensive prowess, Otamendi has also emerged as a key contributor to the team's offensive success. This article delves into the statistical breakdown of his assist record during his tenure at the Portuguese giants.
#### Early Years: A Slow Build
Upon joining Benfica, Otamendi's role was primarily defensive. However, as seasons progressed, he began to contribute more offensively. His first assist in a Benfica shirt came in the 2012/13 season, a testament to his evolving role.
#### Peak Performance: 2016/17 Season
Otamendi's assist record truly took off during the 2016/17 season. That year, he registered a remarkable 8 assists,Campeonato Brasileiro Action which was a new personal best and reflected his growing influence on the team's offensive play. His key passes and intelligent positioning allowed his teammates to exploit space and create scoring opportunities.
#### Consistency Through the Years
While the 2016/17 season was his most productive in terms of assists, Otamendi has maintained a consistent level of contribution over the years. From 2013 to 2021, he has averaged an assist every 11 matches, a testament to his consistent impact on the team's attack.
#### Key Players受益
Throughout his time at Benfica, Otamendi has been instrumental in setting up key players like Jonas, Rafa Silva, and João Félix. His ability to read the game and anticipate his teammates' movements has made him an invaluable asset to the team.
#### Conclusion
Luisão Otamendi's assist record at Benfica is a testament to his versatility and growing influence on the team's offensive play. From a primarily defensive player to a key offensive contributor, Pepe has shown that he can excel in multiple facets of the game. As he continues to lead the Benfica defense, his ability to find the back of the net through assists is a testament to his all-around skill set.