Di María's Playing Time Statistics at Benfica: A Data-Driven Analysis

# Di María's Playing Time Statistics at Benfica: A Data-Driven Analysis

## Introduction to Di María's Career at Benfica

Angel Di María, the Argentine winger, has been a pivotal player for Benfica since his arrival in 2022. Known for his pace, dribbling ability, and attacking flair, Di María has quickly become a fan favorite. However, one aspect that has drawn significant attention is his playing time at the club. This article delves into Di María's statistics at Benfica, analyzing his minutes played, goal contributions, and overall impact on the team.

## Di María's Playing Time Analysis

Since joining Benfica, Di María has been a consistent presence in the starting lineup. According to the latest data, he has appeared in **83% of Benfica's matches** since his debut, showcasing his reliability and importance to the team. On average, he has been playing **72 minutes per game**, which is a significant number given his high intensity style of play.

Despite his minutes being relatively high, Di María's role has evolved over time. Initially, he was primarily utilized as a wide attacker, contributing to attacks with his speed and cross accuracy. However, as the season has progressed, he has been increasingly deployed as a false nine or a secondary striker, a role that requires him to drop deeper and participate in the build-up play. This shift has allowed him to influence games more centrally while still providing a threat on the counter-attack.

## Goal Contributions and Impact

Di María's ability to contribute goals and assists has been a key factor in his effectiveness. He has scored **8 goals** and made **17 key passes** so far this season, demonstrating his creativity in the final third. His assist rate of **0.42 per game** highlights his unselfish play, as he frequently sets up teammates for scoring opportunities.

Moreover, Di María's work rate and defensive contributions have been notable. He has been seen tracking back to help his teammates on numerous occasions, which is a rare trait for a player of his caliber. This has allowed Benfica to maintain a high pressing style of play, something that Di María has adapted to well.

## Evolution of His Role

One of the most interesting aspects of Di María's game at Benfica is how his role has expanded. Initially, he was seen as a pure winger, but his versatility has allowed him to take on additional responsibilities. His positional awareness and ability to adapt have been crucial in fitting into Benfica's system under different managers. This adaptability has not only increased his value to the team but also made him a more complete player.

## Conclusion

Angel Di María's playing time at Benfica has been consistent and impactful, and his ability to adapt to different roles has been a standout feature of his performance. While he may not be the most statistically prolific player in the league, his all-around contributions make him a valuable asset to Benfica. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Di María's role continues to evolve and whether he can further solidify his place as one of the club's key players.

For fans interested in more detailed analysis, exploring Di María's performance metrics compared to other players in the league or his impact on Benfica's overall performance could provide further insights into his value to the team.