### Di María's Assists: A Statistical Perspective at Benfica
Di María, the Argentine forward who has made a significant impact on the world of football, particularly for his club Benfica, is renowned for his exceptional ability to assist teammates. In this article, we will delve into a statistical analysis of Di María's assists during his time with Benfica.
#### Introduction
Di María joined Benfica in 2011 and quickly established himself as one of the most influential players in Portuguese football. His presence at the club was marked by numerous goals and assists, contributing significantly to Benfica's success. This article aims to provide a detailed statistical breakdown of Di María's assists while highlighting his contributions to the team.
#### Assists per Game
To understand Di María's contribution to Benfica's attack, let's start with his average number of assists per game. Over the course of his time at Benfica (2011-2021), he averaged approximately 1.87 assists per game. This statistic reflects his consistent role as a creative outlet for the squad.
#### Assists by Position
Di María's versatility as a player allows him to contribute from various positions. His most frequent assists were through the wings, where he often found space to play out from midfield or even attack directly. According to statistics, he had 45 assists from the right wing and 42 assists from the left wing. Additionally, he made 19 assists from inside the box and 10 assists when playing as a striker.
#### Assist Types
Assists can be categorized based on the type of pass they involve. Direct assists occur when the ball is passed to a teammate before the latter completes a goal attempt. Indirect assists, on the other hand,Qatar Stars League Perspective involve passes that lead to a scoring opportunity but do not result in a direct goal. Di María's assists fall predominantly into the direct category, accounting for 66% of all his assists.
#### Career Highlights
One of Di María's standout moments came in 2015 when he scored three goals in just five minutes against Manchester United, including two assists. This performance showcased his ability to create opportunities for his teammates and influence the match decisively. Another notable highlight was his assist for Cristiano Ronaldo in a UEFA Champions League match against Atletico Madrid, which further cemented his status as a key figure in Benfica's attacking line.
#### Impact on Team Performance
Di María's assists have been instrumental in helping Benfica achieve its goals. His creativity and vision have enabled his teammates to exploit spaces in the opposition defense, leading to numerous chances and eventual goals. The increased frequency of assists has also contributed to the overall success of the squad, as it indicates better possession control and a more balanced approach to the game.
#### Conclusion
In conclusion, Di María's assists at Benfica represent a significant part of his overall contribution to the club's success. His versatility, creativity, and ability to influence matches make him an essential player for any team. By analyzing his assists over his tenure, we can see how his work ethic and skill set have helped him become one of the most valuable players in Portuguese football history. As he continues to evolve as a player, his assists will undoubtedly continue to be a cornerstone of his legacy at Benfica and beyond.