Di María's midfield rating against Benfica
### Di María's Midfield Rating Against Benfica
In the intense and exciting match between Real Madrid and Benfica in the UEFA Champions League on April 15th, 2016, Lionel Messi’s former teammate Ángel Di María displayed his formidable skills as he played a crucial role for Real Madrid. His performance was pivotal not only to securing a victory but also to elevating his overall rating among midfielders.
**First Half Performance:**
During the first half, Di María showed excellent technical ability and creativity. He made several pinpoint passes that set up key attacking plays. His ability to control the ball with precision allowed him to create numerous scoring opportunities for Real Madrid. Despite some early challenges from Benfica’s defense, Di María demonstrated resilience and determination, maintaining high energy levels throughout the period.
**Second Half Impact:**
The second half saw Di María even more impactful, especially after the introduction of Cristiano Ronaldo into the lineup. With Ronaldo providing pace and power, Di María could now focus more on supporting his teammates and orchestrating attacks. His vision and passing were particularly impressive, often linking up play seamlessly with other midfielders like Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. This combination led to several goal-scoring chances, showcasing Di María’s value as a creative midfielder.
**Defensive Contributions:**
While Di María is renowned for his offensive prowess, his defensive contributions were equally significant. In the final stages of the game, when Real Madrid had a slight numerical advantage due to injuries, Di María stepped up his work rate defensively. His positioning and marking were meticulous, helping to contain the Benfica attackers effectively. This defensive solidity was crucial in preventing any potential counter-attacks from the Portuguese side.
**Overall Rating:**
Di María’s performance against Benfica stands out as one of his most notable in recent years. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively through his tactical awareness, passing accuracy, and leadership qualities earned him a strong rating in the midfield category. The match highlighted his adaptability and versatility as a player who can excel in various roles within the team.
In conclusion, Ángel Di María’s performance against Benfica during this memorable UEFA Champions League encounter not only secured a crucial win for Real Madrid but also solidified his reputation as a top-tier midfielder capable of making significant impacts in the midfield. His contribution to the team’s success underscores the importance of players like Di María in modern football, where versatile talents such as Di María continue to be highly sought after.
