Mauro Furtado is a promising young defender currently playing for Benfica’s U19 side, capable of playing as a centre-back or a left-back depending on the system. He demonstrates composure in possession, tactical awareness, and a physical profile suited for the modern game. What makes Furtado such an interesting profile is not only his technical ability, but the balance between his proactivity off the ball and his competence in possession.His blend of positional awareness, composure under pressure, and developing physical skills makes him a promising candidate to develop into a versatile defensive option at senior level.
Physically, Furtado is well-equipped for his role. He has a tall frame, standing around 6’2″, and uses that height well to dominate aerial duels. His timing in the air is one of his most solid traits, allowing him to meet crosses or clear danger with control .He is quick over short distances and uses his acceleration well, often covering ground with sharp bursts of speed, while still maintaining confident and composed movement. He is well-balanced and difficult to knock off the ball, especially in tight spaces or when shielding from pressure. Although there is still room to improve in shoulder-to-shoulder duels, his natural frame and athletic potential provide a solid base to build on.
On the ball, Furtado displays calm and intelligence. He is composed under pressure and comfortable playing out from the back, showing excellent press resistance and strong awareness . He plays with calmness and precision, using both feet ,especially his left, to circulate possession or break lines with sharp vertical passes or switches of play. His ball-carrying is another key strength; he often steps out confidently from the back, combining in central areas or driving forward through tight spaces using close control and smart body positioning. As a left-back, he adds width and threat by overlapping and taking risks in advanced areas. His spatial awareness also extends into attacking phases, where he exploits gaps, arrives into the box unmarked, and even threatens from distance with powerful shots. While his decision-making under pressure during high defensive lines or advanced dribbles can occasionally lead to turnovers, these are areas that should improve with maturity and experience.
Off the ball, Furtado demonstrates great defensive intelligence. He is constantly scanning his surroundings, adjusting his positioning, and anticipating threats early. Whether holding the defensive line or covering wider spaces, he displays a good understanding of distances and timing. Rather than diving into tackles, he prefers to delay his opponent or guide them into less dangerous areas . When possession is lost, he reacts quickly,stepping into passing lanes or tracking runners with intent. During transitions, he shows good awareness and decision-making, knowing when to drop early or shift across to support teammates. His movement as a left-back reflects the same qualities he shows as a central defender: measured, composed, and always aware of the space behind him. Although he’s not the type to press aggressively,he usually picks the right moments to step up and engage.This ensures his defensive actions are calculated rather than rushed
Furtado gives the impression of a player who understands his identity as a defender. He does not try to do too much. He plays with control, discipline, and clarity. There is a quiet confidence in how he positions himself and makes decisions, a type of efficiency that many coaches value highly. While he still has room to grow, particularly in becoming more dominant in physical duels, his grasp of structure and spatial control is already advanced for his age group.
Overall, Mauro Furtado is a tactically intelligent, technically clean, and physically capable young defender. His mix of aerial dominance, composure in possession, and intelligent movement off the ball makes him well-suited to modern, possession-based systems.
Target Scouting 