With no Bruno Fernandes, Pizzi has been the best player in Portugal in 2019/20

Michael Yokhin

PIZZI (BENFICA)

The best performer of the Portuguese Primeira Liga in the previous two seasons, and arguably the top player again this term too, was Bruno Fernandes, who is busy winning over fans at Old Trafford following a January transfer to Manchester United.

In his absence, two players could be considered contenders for the Player of the Season award. Porto's main force was the versatile Mexican winger Jesus Corona, who was even used as full-back on numerous occasions.

The Dragons are leading the table by a point after 24 fixtures, but Benfica's Pizzi is still probably the better choice.

The 30-year-old has always been a talented player, crowned as Player of the Season in 2016/17, but this term he has been much more consistent. He has broken his personal record already by scoring 14 goals in the league and 26 in all competitions.

He leads the league with eight assists, overtaking Fernandes who can't improve his stats now. Even more importantly, his overall contribution to team play has been phenomenal. That is why Pizzi was in with a shout to start for Portugal at Euro 2020, but now that dream is impossible.

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