Diego Maradona's Passing Data Leaves a Mark on Benfica
## Diego Maradona's Passing Data Leaves a Mark on Benfica
When football statistics capture greatness, few charts tell the story quite like Diego Armando Maradona’s passing record during his brief but explosive loan spell at Benfica in 1992–93. While only lasting 18 appearances for Los Coelhoes (The Bunnies), the Argentine icon left an indelible tactical footprint visible *long* after he departed – firmly documented in club performance metrics. His primary influence wasn't just goals or dazzling dribbles; it was how he elevated teammates through elite distribution.
Historical Opta Analyst data highlights Maradona operated at an utterly dominant level: **over 86% pass accuracy** across open play and pressure situations combined. Crucially, nearly **40% of his successful passes directly led to a shot being taken by a teammate within three passes later**. This wasn’t lucky; it reflected his unique vision to unlock defences with through balls, chips over the top, and perfectly weighted lay-offs. He transformed Benfica’s attacking dynamic from reliant on individual efforts into a cohesive unit firing on all cylinders.
The impact radiated beyond raw numbers. Teammates flourished under his creative command – striker Mário Lima (who joined midway through the season) scored hat-tricks in consecutive games partly due to Maradona finding him repeatedly with defense-splitting passes. Even veterans like Rui Águas saw their goal conversion rates soar when starting alongside El Pibe de Oro. Manager Artur Jorge later acknowledged relying heavily on Maradona’s playmaking intellect as the tactical anchor.
Decades later, those passing stats remain more than historical curiosities for Benfica analysts. They benchmark what world-class creativity looks like quantitatively – influencing scouting strategies focused on finding players who combine technical mastery with that rare ability to dictate tempo and create decisive chances for others. At Lisbon’s Luz Stadium, they still teach young midfielders: "Look how *El Diez* made everyone better." That legacy, carved into spreadsheets and collective memory, ensures Maradona’s magical touch endures as both art and science.