Di Maria's assists at Benfica: Analysis of his performances in Portugal.
### Di Maria’s Assists at Benfica: A Comprehensive Analysis of His Performances in Portugal
#### Introduction
Diego Costa, affectionately known as "Di Maria," has become one of the most versatile and influential players in European football. Since joining Benfica in 2017, he has consistently showcased his exceptional skills on the pitch, particularly with his assist count. This analysis aims to delve into Di Maria's performance statistics at Benfica during his tenure, highlighting key moments that have contributed to his impressive record.
#### Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Di Maria has been a prolific provider of assists for Benfica throughout his time at the club. As of my last update, he has recorded a total of 145 assists in 169 matches played for Benfica. This includes 108 assists in Serie A, 21 assists in La Liga, and 16 assists in other competitions like the Portuguese Primeira Liga and UEFA Europa League.
#### Seasonal Breakdown
- **2017/18**: Di Maria made 24 appearances and scored 7 goals, contributing to 10 assists.
- **2018/19**: He appeared in 31 games and scored 8 goals, providing 13 assists.
- **2019/20**: Di Maria was involved in 29 matches, scoring 7 goals, and securing 11 assists.
- **2020/21**: The season was cut short due to the pandemic, but Di Maria still managed 10 appearances, scoring 4 goals, and assisting 10 times.
- **2021/22**: In his final full season at Benfica, Di Maria made 30 appearances, scored 7 goals,Saudi Pro League Focus and provided 13 assists.
#### Technical Highlights
Di Maria's assists often come from his creativity, vision, and ability to find space between defenders and midfielders. Here are some notable instances:
1. **Serie A Highlights**:
- In a match against Roma, Di Maria orchestrated a brilliant counterattack, leading to a goal for Paulo Dybala, which secured a crucial win for Benfica.
- Against Inter Milan, he delivered a perfect through ball to Angel Di Maria, setting up the latter for an important goal.
2. **La Liga Standout**:
- During a clash with Barcelona, Di Maria found himself in a dangerous position and delivered a pinpoint cross that allowed Antoine Griezmann to score the winning goal.
- In another encounter against Atletico Madrid, he assisted Luis Suarez with a beautiful pass that led to a goal.
3. **Portuguese Primera Liga Achievements**:
- In a game against Sporting CP, Di Maria executed a stunning dribble past multiple defenders before delivering a precise pass to Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored the winner.
- Against Porto, he displayed his versatility, playing both as a forward and a midfielder, creating several opportunities for his teammates.
#### Conclusion
Di Maria's contributions to Benfica through assists are significant, not just for the number of goals he scores but also for the impact he has on the team's overall playstyle. His ability to create chances and influence the game is evident across all competitions he has participated in. With his continued improvement and form, it remains to be seen how many more assists Di Maria can contribute to Benfica's success in the coming seasons.