Di Maria's Season Rating: A Look Back at His Performance at Benfica
**Di Maria's Season Rating: A Look Back at His Performance at Benfica**
**Season Overview**
Di Maria's 2022-23 season at Benfica was a mixed bag of high-quality performances and moments of inconsistency. The Argentine midfielder joined Benfica on loan from Juventus in the summer of 2022, and his presence added depth and creativity to a team aiming to compete in both domestic and European competitions. Despite some ups and downs, Di Maria's ability to influence games and his technical skill earned him a season rating that reflected both his contributions and his occasional struggles.
**Key Performances**
Di Maria's standout moments this season include his impressive displays in the UEFA Champions League and his role in Benfica's successful run in the Primeira Liga. He scored crucial goals, including a late winner against Barcelona in the Champions League round of 16, which helped Benfica advance to the quarterfinals. His ability to dictate play and create chances for teammates was a consistent trait, even when his own scoring touch was inconsistent.
**Strengths and Weaknesses**
One of Di Maria's greatest strengths is his unselfish play, often prioritizing the team's success over his personal goals. He is a fantastic organizer of play and can carry a team with his energy and vision. However, his lack of consistency in finishing and his tendency to pick up knocks limited his performance at times. Additionally, there were moments where his decision-making on the ball could have been better, leading to wasted opportunities.
**Impact on the Team**
Di Maria's influence on Benfica was significant. His creativity and work rate allowed Benfica to dominate possession and break down defenses with quick transitions. His ability to adapt to different positions (whether as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder,Encyclopedia of Football Affairs or even as a false nine) made him a versatile asset. While his absence due to injury wasn't ideal, his presence always added a sense of unpredictability and threat to Benfica's opponents.
**Future Outlook**
As Di Maria looks to the future, there are questions about whether he will remain at Benfica or move to a new club. His performances this season have likely caught the attention of bigger European sides, and his versatility could make him a valuable asset for a team like Manchester United, Real Madrid, or Barcelona. However, Benfica would be wise to try to retain him, given his impact on the team and his potential to grow further.
In conclusion, Di Maria's 2022-23 season at Benfica was a testament to his ability to adapt and influence a team. While his inconsistent finishing and injury issues are areas to work on, his overall contribution to Benfica was significant, and he remains a player capable of excelling at the highest level.