Lisbon, Portugal – July 2024 – Angel Di María has been a key player for SL Benfica this season, making a significant impact on the team's performance with his speed, creativity, and experience. This analysis provides a detailed review of his key metrics across all competitions, highlighting his contributions to the club's attacking play.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Goals and Assists:
Total Goals: 12
Assists: 8
These numbers reflect Di María's continued ability as a goal-scoring winger, maintaining his reputation as one of the league's most dangerous attackers.
Goal Creation Index (xG + xA):
xG: 15.3
xA: 11.2
Total (xG + xA): 26.5
His expected contribution (xG + xA) places him among the top creators in the squad, demonstrating his consistent ability to generate high-quality scoring opportunities.
Match Impact Metrics
Goals or Assists per 90 Minutes: 0.75
This figure shows his efficiency in terms of direct involvement in goals, emphasizing his value as a regular goal threat.
Pass Completion Rate: 78.3%
Despite his attacking role, Di María maintains a solid passing accuracy, which is crucial for building attacks from deep positions.
Key Passes (Critical Passes): 47
He ranks first on the team for creating high-danger chances, revealing his importance in unlocking opposition defenses.
Defensive Contributions
Tackles Won: 23
interceptions: 17
While primarily an attacker, Di María still contributes defensively,Primeira Liga Hotspots showing his willingness to help the team press higher up the pitch.
Match Highlights
UEFA Champions League:
In the group stage, he scored twice against Barcelona, including a stunning long-range effort that turned the match around.
Portuguese League (Primeira Liga):
His assist against Sporting CP helped secure a crucial win, keeping Benfica at the top of the table.
Cup Finals (Taça de Portugal & Taça da Liga):
He was named man of the match in both finals, providing decisive assists in Benfica's victories.
Season Evaluation
Strengths
Versatility: Can operate on either wing or as a second striker, adapting to different tactical setups.
Experience: His wealth of international competition experience has been invaluable, especially in high-pressure matches.
Leadership: Acts as a mentor to younger players while maintaining high performance standards.
Areas for Improvement
shot precision: While he creates many chances, conversion rate could be improved (12 goals from 86 shots).
pace: Some games showed signs of reduced explosiveness due to his age, though this has been managed through positioning.
Final Considerations
Di María has delivered another strong season at Benfica, proving his longevity and adaptability at the highest level. His blend of experience, skill, and goal threat remains crucial for the club's ambitions domestically and in Europe.