Di María's Career and Performance in Benfica, His Passing Data Explained
### Di María's Career and Performance in Benfica
**Introduction**
Diego Maradona, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, had a storied career that spanned two continents. After retiring from professional soccer, he continued his involvement with the sport through his work as a coach and analyst. In this article, we will explore Di María's journey at Benfica, his performance during his time there, and some key data points about his passing statistics.
#### Early Years at Benfica
Di María made his professional debut for Benfica in the 2014–15 season. He joined the club from Real Madrid after a long stint with Argentina's national team. At Benfica, Di María quickly established himself as a crucial player, contributing to the club's success under various managers, including José Mourinho and Manuel Pellegrini.
#### Performance in Benfica
During his tenure at Benfica, Di María demonstrated exceptional skill on the pitch. His ability to play both as a forward and as a midfielder was particularly noteworthy. He was known for his creativity, vision, and ability to find space between defenders. Di María's performances were marked by his precision and accuracy in passing, which often led to goals or assists.
One of Di María's standout moments at Benfica came in the UEFA Champions League final against Manchester City in 2016. In a match where the teams were evenly matched, Di María played a pivotal role, scoring twice and providing numerous assists. This performance highlighted his adaptability and ability to perform under pressure.
#### Passing Statistics
To provide a deeper understanding of Di María's passing skills, let's examine some key data points:
- **Passing Accuracy:** Di María had a high level of passing accuracy throughout his career. His overall pass completion rate was around 85%, indicating his consistency in delivering accurate passes.
- **Long-Range Passes:** One of Di María's strengths was his ability to deliver long-range passes. He completed over 700 long-range passes during his time at Benfica, demonstrating his range and precision.
- **Crosses:** Di María also excelled in crossing the ball, completing more than 300 crosses in his career. His crosses often found vulnerable areas in opposition defenses, setting up scoring opportunities.
- **Through Balls:** Another important aspect of Di María's passing game was his ability to deliver through balls. He completed over 500 through balls, showcasing his ability to create scoring chances from deep inside the opponent's penalty area.
#### Conclusion
Di María's time at Benfica was marked by consistent excellence and personal growth. His ability to adapt to different positions and contribute to the team's success at various levels of competition is evident in his passing statistics. While his career has since moved on, his legacy as a skilled and creative player continues to inspire fans and fellow players alike.