Benfica gave a further insight into how the new law for goal-kicks is a genuine game-changer in the upcoming season with their clever routine against AC Milan.
The Portuguese outfit played against the Rossoneri at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts and won courtesy of a second half strike from Adel Taarabt, formerly of Milan.
But the big talking point in the game came 30 minutes into the game when Benfica goalkeeper Odisseas Vlachodimos and his defender showed just how effective the change in rule can be.
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The Greek international placed the ball on the six-yard line and because teammates are now allowed in the box from a goal-kick, he was able to flick the ball to his centre-back, who simply headed the ball back to him in a moment of proper FIFA-esque shithousery.
As part of a series of law changes introduced, goal kicks do not need to leave the area - meaning that defenders are able to collect the ball in the 18-yard box while opposition players still need to remain outside the penalty area until the kick is taken.
After catching the ball, Vlachodimos launched the ball up the field with a giant throw and if Grimaldo had played a better pass, Benfica had a potentially dangerous attack on the cards.
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It's the second time during an International Champions Cup fixture that we've seen just how beneficial the change in law can be for those who like to play out the back.
Marcelo Brozovic took up a central position, while both their centre-backs stood either side of Samir Handanovic, just outside of the six-yard box.
The Slovenian then played a short pass to the right and slowly but surely Inter built up from the back and ended up high up the pitch.
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Juventus' attackers pressed extremely high up the pitch but their opponents used the situation perfectly to create an attack.
One can only imagine how possession-based teams like Manchester City, Barcelona, Spurs, Juventus and Ajax will use this rule to their advantage in 2019/20 as it could prove highly useful for their way of playing.
We're already picturing Frenkie De Jong running the game for Barca from his box as well as City's goalkeeper Ederson taking even more risks on the ball than he currently does under Pep Guardiola.
Topics: Football News, Football, International Champions Cup, AC Milan, Juventus, Pre-season, Benfica, Inter Milan
