Rising star Di Maria happy to complete football education at Benfica

“You haven’t seen the best of me yet” says Argentine

Angel Di Maria has played just one third of a full season in Portugal, but is regarded as one of the brightest talents in the league and has grabbed the admiration of the Benfica faithful in the process.

The U20 World Cup champion is taking his experience in stride and vows that Benfica fans have yet to see the best of Di Maria. In an interview given to the club’s official website, the talented Argentine spoke about his ambitions and experiences at Benfica, and dismissed rumours that he is planning a move in January.

“We are not used to watching Portuguese matches in Argentina,” confessed Di Maria. “But when I arrived here and saw what Benfica was about, I felt the club’s grandeur which is at the European level. I want to stay here and my future is at Benfica as I have all the conditions to work.

“I started off injured, which affected me in the beginning, but I continued to gain confidence and I feel that I am growing.”

Europe more physical

“Here they play a lot more with the body. In Argentina they allow us to have more time with the ball at our feet. In Portugal you have to have a lot of strength to keep hold of the ball. I have to work more on that aspect and that is what I am doing.

“I still have to work harder in order to return to my best form which I achieved in Argentina. The fans still have not seen the real Di Maria, but I am sure that they will.”

Asked if there was a certain player that Di Maria identifies with or has a similar playing style, the Benfica number 20 chose none other than Portugal and Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo.

“I have always liked Cristiano Ronaldo. Here I have not played as much on the flanks as I did in Argentina, where he plays. I identify myself a lot with the way he plays.”

Rui Costa influence

Playing styles aside, Di Maria confides with one player in particular in the squad, who he looks up to for advice. Rui Costa is the man who plays the role as a mentor.

“I am being guided by him. He passes on a lot of experience. There is the fact that he was a world champion at my age. He remembers how it was and it gives me strength. It is good to have someone like him who I can refer to.”

In terms of rest and relaxation, the player lives a quiet life with his father. At just 19 years of age, Di Maria admits he does miss being away from home, but having his father with him helps, as does being able to beat team-mates at intense games of Pro Evolution Soccer.

“I live a tranquil life. My father is with me and afterwards we like to go for walks. When I am not training in the afternoon, I sleep a bit and a little later, I usually enjoy a good challenge of Pro Evolution Soccer, normally against David Luiz.”