Otamendi, the Argentine centre-back who joined Manchester City from Benfica in January 2019, has been a key player for Pep Guardiola's side. However, one aspect that has not always been widely discussed is his performance at Benfica.
Before joining Manchester City, Otamendi played for several clubs in Argentina and Europe, including Real Madrid and Valencia. It was during his time with Valencia that he caught the eye of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who signed him for £45 million in January 2019.
Despite his success at Manchester City, there have been questions about Otamendi's performances at Benfica. In fact, according to data from Transfermarkt, Otamendi's pass success rate at Benfica was only 66% in his first season, which was lower than any other club where he had played.
However, it's important to note that pass success rates can be difficult to compare between different leagues and competitions, as they take into account factors such as defensive positioning and tackling ability. Additionally, Otamendi's overall performance at Benfica was not without its ups and downs. He did score two goals and make five assists in 38 appearances for the Portuguese club, but he also struggled defensively at times, especially against top-flight opposition.
Despite these mixed results, it's clear that Otamendi has made a significant impact on Manchester City since joining the club. He has become a regular starter under Guardiola and has contributed to the team's success both domestically and in Europe. While his pass success rate may not be perfect, it's fair to say that Otamendi's contribution to Manchester City's success cannot be overstated.