Benjamin Rollheriser: From the Heart of La Plata to the Coast of Portugal

Talents not reaching their full potential after a falling-out with someone from the club’s hierarchy is nothing new in Argentina. When the same happened between River Plate and their proud jewel Benjamin Rollheiser, many thought he had become the latest in the line. Estudiantes signed him on a free in the summer of 2022 and there began his career revival which has now led him to Portugal.

Standing at 5'7", Benjamin also, like others of similar profile, uses his low center of gravity to maximize his attacking skill set. Despite often being deployed as a right winger, he is not the kind of player who roams around next to the sideline to keep width. With the ball at his feet, he liked to glide to the center and function at the heart of Estudiantes’ attack last year.

Manager Eduardo Dominguez, who had brought out the best in many players before him, saw Benjamin’s potential and bet on it. Rollheiser generated 106 shot-creating actions in the league last year, which is also the fifth-highest number during the same period. He also completed 138 dribbles in the 2023 calendar year and ranked seventh for most progressive carries (86) in the league.

Benfica have added two of the brightest young talents in South America to their squad with Gianluca Prestianni (17) & Marcos Leonardo (20) joining for a combined €29m.@23Pankovski on Leonardo: https://t.co/wIzSMY6Xkq@ConnorHolden00 on Prestianni: https://t.co/79grMoi0Xmpic.twitter.com/AAie8mfUsU— Breaking The Lines (@BTLvid) January 7, 2024