## Galeno's Success Rate in Passing for FC Porto: A Statistical Analysis

When evaluating modern strikers, goals often steal the headlines. Yet for FC Porto’s Brazilian hitman Evanilson "Galeno" Borges da Silva – commonly known as **Galeno** – his exceptional work as a link-up player reveals itself through advanced passing metrics that challenge conventional wisdom about center forwards. While primarily deployed as a clinical finisher (he netted 25 league goals in 2022/23), statistical evidence shows Galeno operates far beyond mere poaching; he functions as an integral component of Porto’s attacking buildup play.

### Deep Integration into Buildup Play

League data consistently places Galeno among Europe’s most statistically influential No.9s regarding progressive ball circulation. During Porto’s domestic title charge, he maintained an impressive overall pass completion rate exceeding **82%** across all competitions. Crucially, this isn’t just safe sideways distribution – over 40% of his successful passes moved the ball forward horizontally or vertically into dangerous areas. He frequently drops deep to receive possession under pressure (often outside his own penalty area), turning defenders and initiating combinations with midfielders like Pepê or Stephen Eustáquio. This triggers opposition presses while creating space for teammates like Luis Díaz to exploit.

### High-Value Contributions Beyond Goals

Advanced analytics highlight two key contributions:

1. **Progressive Retention:** Among top flight forwards, Galeno ranks highly in "progressive passes received," meaning he smartly holds onto possession after winning back the ball instead of losing it cheaply. His ability to shield the ball and lay off quick returns allows teammates to surge forward confidently. For instance, during matches against Gil Vicente and Chaves, he completed vital sequence-breaking passes from central areas that ignited counterattacks leading to Diaz assists.

2. **Final Third Precision:** Within shooting range (inside opponent penalty boxes), his accuracy remains remarkable at ~78%. Many involve selfless layoffs or square balls across goalmouths rather than shots himself. This unselfishness directly creates chances; Opta credited him with setting up 7 goals via key passes despite playing centrally.

### Tactical Significance & Future Implications

Manager Sérgio Conceição leverages this unique dual threat by alternating between direct long balls over defenses (targeting Galeno’s physicality) and complex short sequences utilizing his passing range. As opposition teams increasingly blanket traditional target men, Galeno’s refined distribution makes him adaptable against both high and low blocks. His evolving role signals how elite modern strikers must blend scoring instinct with creative vision – making him not just Portugueses League Footballer of the Year (2022/23) but also one of its most underrated playmakers.

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• Success
• Rate
• in
• Passing
• Galeno