Ex-Benfica Lisbon player Sergei Kandaurov has assessed the prospects of Shakhtar Donetsk goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, who recently arrived in Portugal to sign a contract with the Eagles.
Sergey Kandaurov
- Sergei Viktorovich, there were a lot of rumours around Trubin's transfer to Inter, but in the end he moves to Benfica. Were you surprised by this development?
- I was very surprised, because "Benfica" almost agreed with the Brazilian goalkeeper Bento, but in the end something happened and the transfer failed. If not for that moment, Trubin would not have ended up at Benfica.
The club urgently started looking for another goalkeeper and the choice fell on Anatoly. I think he was on the pencil of the selection service of the Portuguese grandee. As far as I know, Benfica are looking for a second goalkeeper or a replacement for Vlahodimos if he leaves.
- The following question follows from your words. Vlachodimos is Benfica's undisputed number one. Does the signing of Trubin mean that the Greek will leave the team or Anatoly was taken for competition?
- The situation is very simple. Vlachodimos signed a new contract with Benfica until 2027 and his clausula is 60 million. He has been the main goalkeeper for five years and coach Roger Schmidt did a very smart thing by signing Trubin. Vlahodimos needs a competitor so he doesn't get stale. Besides, the Greek can leave at any time and needs a goalie who can replace him.
- What are the chances for Trubin to become the main goalkeeper of Benfica if Vlachodimos stays?
- So far there are no preconditions for his sale. Vlachodimos is a very strong goalkeeper and in five years at Benfica there was never any doubt about his qualifications. He does not give his number one to anyone. Therefore, it will be hard for Trubin in the first year, he needs to adapt soon and look for his chance.
- So, the situation can be like with Lunin at Real Madrid?
- There is no such turnover at Real Madrid. "Benfica sold the leading striker Ramos to PSG, and another player was immediately taken in his place. Footballers, as a rule, do not stay long in Benfica. We can also remember goalkeepers who were sold for big money. Ederson is now playing in Manchester City, Jan Oblak - in Atletico.
It is clear that the first year will be difficult for Trubin, he will get used to and adapt to Benfica. Anatoly got to a very strong and great club. God willing, he will be able to establish himself. The competition in Benfica is very great, and it is not only Vlahodimos, we should not discount the Portuguese goalkeepers - Samuel Soares and Andre Gomes.
- So Trubin was signed as Vlachodimos' number two with the prospect of replacing him in the future?
- I think so. Vlachodimos is 29 years old. Although it is not an age for a goalkeeper, but Benfica always thinks about future development. I hope that this future will be exactly Trubin.
- What chance does Trubin have to use Benfica as a springboard to then move to a stronger club?
- It's difficult to assess now, he still needs to go through a period of adaptation. "Benfica" is very reverent towards all foreigners, they are very much protected and valued. Trubin will be given comprehensive assistance, and then everything depends on him. It's one thing to want to be bought, and quite another to prove that you can be number one.
It is difficult for goalkeepers in this respect. They can be given one or two chances, and if you make a mistake, it will be hard to regain the coach's trust. You can remember Lunin, when he made blunders, substituting Courtois. Trubin needs to make the most of his chances and be 100 per cent ready. Then it will be easier for him.
- Does Benfica often let the second goalkeeper play? How many matches will Trubin get?
- Benfica has a lot of matches in the season. I think, in the Portuguese Cup and in the League Cup Trubin will play 100 per cent. Moreover, nobody is immune to injuries and, perhaps, we will have to replace Vlahodimos in the championship and Champions League. He will definitely get his time.
- What are the Benfica fans like? Do they put a lot of pressure on the players after mistakes or do they give the newcomers a chance to prove themselves?
- Ukrainians in Portugal are treated quite well. Compared to the Russians, our players have left a noticeable mark in the Portuguese championship, including me and Yaremchuk. Yes, Roman did not do well, but Benfica sold him to Brugge for good money(18 million euros - ed.).
As for the fans, they are very demanding. Often the stadium is completely filled, the minimum is 40-50 spectators of thousands at Benfica matches against weak teams. Fans immediately buy all season tickets for the season. The aura at Da Luz is crazy!
- Trubin, except for Ukraine, has never played anywhere. Will it be difficult for him to adapt to the Portuguese championship?
- Portugal has a very difficult, but quite interesting championship. In principle, there is nothing new for Trubin. He is used to Shakhtar's first-choice game. "Benfica play the same way, only four games a season against strong opponents, not counting the Champions League matches - Porto and Sporting. The goalkeeper doesn't have much work to do at Benfica, but when he does, you have to bail him out.
- If we compare Trubin and Vlahodimos, what are Anatoliy's advantages and disadvantages?
- It would be incorrect for me to compare, because I have not watched many matches of the Ukrainian championship. I can name Vlahodimos' strengths. He is very good in the game with his feet and on the line. "Benfica" plays modern football and uses the goalkeeper as a point guard. Vlachodimos acts very confident and it is difficult for me to name his weaknesses.
- According to media reports, Trubin will receive 2 million per year at Benfica. Is it a lot, average or not enough for the Portuguese grandee?
- I can say that this is an average salary at Benfica. With the deduction of taxes Trubin will receive about 1 million 300 thousand per year. But "Benfica" always encourages players. For example, Fredrik Eursnes, who joined the club last year, played a good season and they immediately re-signed him on improved terms. If the management of Benfica sees that a player is growing, they immediately revise the agreement upwards.
- Your forecast for Trubin's future career?
- Making predictions is a thankless job. I can only wish him not to stop on what he has achieved, to continue to improve, to prove himself and show that Ukrainians can play football. "Benfica" knows how to reveal players and resell them with a big profit.
Andriy Piskun
