Marítimo’s season has to be considered a very positive one. The main goal was achieved: the 6th place that gives Verde-Rubros the chance to play the qualifiers for next season’s Europa League. However, the season started in a very chaotic fashion. Marítimo lost four out of the first five matches of the campaign. A very bad start that forced the team to some extra work in the rest of the season. At the same time, the star of the team, striker Dyego Souza, had a very incorrect conduct during a pre-season match, and was given a harsh 9 month ban. The Club appealed several times, giving the striker the opportunity to play some matches, yet very sparcely and irregularly, which never allowed the Brazilian striker to show up all his ability; eventually, around February, he finally had a definite ban that made him say goodbye to the club as he is joining rivals Braga for next season.
Fortunately, some other talented players stepped up and led Marítimo into an altogether pleasant season. Defenders Raúl Silva and Maurício formed a very solid centre-half duo; Patrick was one of the season’s good revelations, to the point that the Brazilian full-back already signed with champions Benfica. In the left side of defence, first Fábio China (who picked a serious injury in mid December), and then January signing Luís Martins were also very valuable assets. It was never easy to replace Dyego Souza in the attack, but Alhassane Keita proved to be a good player, and the wingers António Xavier, Brito and especially Edgar Costa and Ghazaryan were always capable of providing the team enough attacking effectiveness. But the more influential part of Marítimo’s formation throughout the season was the centre of midfield where league debutant Erdem Sen and, especially, key player Fransérgio bossed many matches and provided the team enough gameplay to gather a good 47 points tally, and a great 6th place in the end.
Unfortunately, for next season, almost all important players are already on the way out: together with Dyego Sousa, also midfielder Fransérgio and defender Raúl Silva are joining Braga, while, as said, full-back Patrick is joining Benfica. Luís Martins, on the other hand, should return to owner club Granada.
