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Player profile: Angel Di Maria

Full name: Angel Fabian Di Maria

Position: Forward

Date of Birth: 14 February 1988

Birthplace: Rosario, Argentina

Every club’s goal is to equip itself with the best players possible, the younger the better, in their quest to create dynasties and win a wealth of trophies. This certainly would have been Benfica’s thinking when they went out and signed U20 World Cup winner, Angel Di Maria.

Heady comparisons

Still only 19 years old, the Argentine winger has the makings of a world-class superstar. His ball control, dribbling skills and shooting ability remind spectators of other greats from his native country such as Mario Kempes and, dare to say, Diego Maradona. Although the shy Di Maria would blush at such comparisons, he is proud to have come from such a rich footballing nation and to be mentioned in the same breath as these football legends.

Starting out at Rosario Central, his abundant natural skills were nurtured and developed, and after four years in the club’s youth ranks, Di Maria was promoted to the senior squad in 2005 when only 17 years old.

The player wasted little time in making his mark, playing 35 times for the Argentine club and scoring 6 goals over a two-year span. It therefore came as no surprise when he was selected for the U20 World Cup held in Canada in July 2007.

Starring role

Although initially not a first choice in the Argentina starting XI, Di Maria ended up playing a vital role in his country’s march to the title as he notched up three goals and two assists. His exploits persuaded Benfica to bring the youngster to Portugal. A week after lifting the U20 title the Portuguese club thrashed out a deal with Rosario Central, tying the player to a 5-year deal at a cost of six million euros.

Just how highly regarded the new recruit was can be gauged from comments made by Benfica president, Luis Filipe Vieira, when presenting the young Argentine. He told the club’s supporters that he had bought the perfect replacement for Benfica’s departing captain, Simao Sabrosa, a talismanic figure for the Eagles for over five seasons.

During the first months of his tenure in Lisbon Di Maria has shown he is not in the least weighed down by the expectations, and the fans have quickly taken to the exciting talent. They recognise quality when they see it and hope that the Argentine can fulfil his tremendous potential wearing the famous red shirt.

CLUB APPEARANCES* GOALS Rosario Central 35 6 Benfica** 12 0

* League only
** Up to December 2007