**Di María vs Benfica: Number of Assists**
**Introduction**
Angel Di María's career has been marked by his exceptional talent and versatility on the football field. During his time at Benfica, the Argentine winger became a key asset, not only for his goal-scoring abilities but also for his ability to create chances for his teammates. This article compares Di María's assist record at Benfica with his performance at another club, highlighting how his role and contributions vary depending on the team's style and structure.
**Di María's Assists at Benfica**
When Di María joined Benfica in 2010, he quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young players in Europe. His ability to cut inside from the wing and deliver pinpoint crosses made him a threat to any defense. During his three seasons with Benfica, Di María consistently demonstrated his unselfish play, often prioritizing creating opportunities for his teammates over scoring himself.
In 2012-13, Di María was instrumental in Benfica's success, contributing 20 assists in 52 appearances. His creativity and work rate allowed him to break defenses with his dribbling and then unselfishly set up teammates for goals. This season, he played a pivotal role in Benfica finishing second in the Portuguese Liga, showcasing his importance to the team.
**Di María's Assists at Another Club**
When Di María moved to Real Madrid in 2014, his role on the pitch changed slightly. While he maintained his ability to deliver crosses and create chances, Real Madrid's possession-based style of play meant that Di María was often involved in more structured movements and build-up play.
In his first season with Real Madrid, Di María contributed 16 assists in 38 appearances. This is fewer than his tally at Benfica, which can be attributed to the different demands of the team's playing style. At Real Madrid, Di María is often tasked with providing width and supporting the central midfielders, which can limit his ability to make as many incisive runs into the box compared to his time at Benfica.
**Comparison: Team Style and Role Impact**
The difference in Di María's assist numbers between Benfica and Real Madrid can also be explained by the style of play at each club. Benfica's attacking style and emphasis on wing play gave Di María more freedom to come back and deliver crosses, allowing him to create more assists. In contrast, Real Madrid's structured approach requires Di María to stay more central and involved in the build-up, which can limit his ability to make those critical runs into the box.
Additionally, at Benfica, Di María often played as a wing-back, giving him more defensive responsibilities while still contributing offensively. This dual role allowed him to cover back on defense and then exploit space to create chances for his teammates. At Real Madrid, Di María is primarily a winger, which means he is less involved in defensive transitions and more focused on attacking.
**Conclusion**
Angel Di María's ability to adapt to different team styles has been a hallmark of his career. At Benfica, he thrived as an attacking winger with a strong emphasis on creating chances for others, resulting in a high assist tally. At Real Madrid, his role is more about supporting the midfield and contributing to structured attacks, which has led to a slightly lower assist count. Regardless of the team, Di María's talent and versatility ensure he remains a valuable asset on the field, capable of excelling in various systems and roles.