"This could be Cardozo's year" - Agent

Big expectations for Paraguayan

With all the moves Benfica have completed in the last few weeks, Oscar Cardozo is excited to get back to work, but the player's agent, Pedro Aldave, confesses that not everything was rosy for the South American.

The FIFA representative told Renascenca that there was a time that his client wanted to pack his bags and leave the Portuguese giants, but with the additions the club has made, the Paraguayan international is getting that twinkle in his eye once again and would only consider a move should he be able to help the team win the title.

"During Cardozo's worst moment, when he was not playing and Quique (Flores) was not using him, we did not want to stay anymore," admitted Aldave. "But now the club is building a strong team and if Cardozo feels good, and the club make him feel important and wanted, that would be great."

"I think he would like to leave having been a champion with Benfica and if a 'super offer' was interesting for all parties. We would take a look at it, but right now Cardozo is good as Benfica are a big club."

Aldave went further and added that offers have poured in for the former Newell's Old Boys striker, but nothing that enticed either the club or the player. Nonetheless, the agent expects big things from Cardozo as Benfica are showing that they want to win silverware this season.

Competition for places

With the addition of Javier Savioa, and perhaps one more striker, Aldave thinks that the Lisbon club is forming a formidable strikeforce, but one where Benfica's top goal-scorer, and everyone else, will have to fight for playing time.

"Cardozo is happy as the club is building a good team. He can do better than what he did the last two seasons and this could be Cardozo's year if all things come together.

"Last year was, supposedly, difficult as there was Suazo, as well as other players. The team is now better, will attack more and there will be a lot of matches."

"Cardozo has demonstrated that he can play at Benfica. He knows what he is worth, he just has to confirm it and do more. He has scored a lot of goals and it will also be difficult for those who have arrived - everyone has the same level of competence."

by Marco Pereira