Player Focus: Real Madrid find their Angel in Di Maria

It seemed at one point he was in danger of becoming the forgotten man at Real Madrid, but so far this season the case Ángel di María has put forward is one based on being the main man.

The summer arrivals of Isco and Gareth Bale, brought in to compete in an already stocked attacking midfield department, threatened to leave Di María out in the cold. Even with the departure of Mesut Özil it never seemed likely that the 24-year-old would feature strongly, and certainly not with the prominence he’s had thus far.

On Saturday against Málaga, Di María again proved his worth and maintained the consistency that has been at key times absent from his game. The opener came via the Argentinian, following on from his assist against Levante, while he saved perhaps his most eye-catching display for the Copenhagen game in the Champions League. A brace plus an assist saw WhoScored hand him the coveted 10.0 rating. His influence is growing more by the game, and with Özil’s absence it’s all the more welcome.

None of the current crop at the Bernabeu has provided more key passes than the Argentina international, with 2.7 on average per game (while Özil sits top on 5 per game over his two matches before departing). Isco, meanwhile is 3rd, with 2.2. Di María’s total in this bracket brings him in at 3rd of all players with at least 5 appearances in La Liga this season.

Even more impressive is the fact Di María is making fewer passes per game than Isco, with the Argentinian on 39.2 while the Spaniard heads the list with 51.8. That is, Di María sees less of the ball but still creates significantly more in the way of goalscoring opportunities.

The Málaga game highlighted his overall contribution to the team; he was key in linking the midfield and attack, knitting together moves with assurance and quality. An underrated asset of Di María’s game is his attitude and work ethic. Though on the surface he may seem like he offers little more than tricks and pace, he can really dig in and show grit when required. Unfortunately when moves don’t come off he’s widely derided, and is an easy target for the critics.

Madrid are blessed with few players of his versatility and resultant comfort when placed in a variety of positions. He’s the swiss army knife for Carlo Ancelotti this season: the player that in whatever situation, can offer a solution. He’s played three roles this season, working from the left, right and centre of attacking midfield. At times, he’s played all three, coasting through each position and stinging teams from a multitude of angles. As talented as Isco may be, or even Modric, they have difficulties adjusting to other areas of the field. They have a clear comfort zone. Although Di María’s is arguably the left hand side, it’s rare he features there due to a certain Cristiano Ronaldo. His best work must be done elsewhere and often it is superbly.

Situating him out wide allows Di María primarily to do what no one else can do so effectively on the team, and that’s cross the ball. 2.6 accurate cross per game have been made since the season began in La Liga, with Isco closest to him amongst his teammates, on just 1.2.

With Gonzalo Higuaín gone, and Karim Benzema misfiring, it’s essential others step up to the mark in front of goal. With 4 goals so far, Isco is doing exactly that, but Di María too needs to show a killer instinct. 2 shots per game mean Di María is taking the 3rd most at Madrid after Ronaldo (8.9) and Benzema (3.3), but his return has been a solitary goal. Although his strengths lie elsewhere, for example how he can penetrate an opponent’s defensive block, there is a necessity that he improves with his shooting. Just one goal thus far is a poor return, and it might even be the case that he needs to better his tally of 7 from last season.

Di María was key once again and most recently against Juventus last night. He provided a threat on the biggest of occasions and when Madrid required him most. An assist from his only key pass isn’t overly impressive, but it was his fourth assist in the Champions League this season – more than anyone else in the whole competition. He’s been amongst the goals too on Europe’s biggest stage, bagging twice; only Cristiano Ronaldo (8) hasdirectly contributed to more goals in the competition.

Di María’s not only bridging the gaps left in the wake of Özil’s departure, but he’s adding his own stamp to proceedings. Accused at times of not doing enough, Di María has responded and is clearly working hard to silence his critics. That’s why this season he’s been one of Madrid’s best players, if not the best after Cristiano. Isco may have something to say about that of course, but given the manner in which Di María has emerged from the shadows of events over the summer, it’s impossible to discredit the boy from Rosario.