Angel Di Maria, an Argentinian professional footballer, has had a remarkable career in the world of soccer. From his humble beginnings at Rosario Central to becoming one of the most versatile attackers in the world, Di Maria has proved himself time and time again on the field. But it was not always smooth sailing for the winger-turned-attacker, as he faced numerous challenges throughout his career. In this blog post, we will delve into the evolution of Di Maria from a winger to an all-round attacking threat, exploring his successes, struggles, and legacy.
Di Maria’s early Years and Rise to Prominence
Born on February 14, 1988, in Rosario, Argentina, Di Maria started playing football at a young age. His talent and determination quickly caught the eye of local club San Lorenzo, where he joined their youth academy at the age of 13. However, it wasn’t until he made the move to Rosario Central that Di Maria’s career truly began to take off.
In 2005, Di Maria made his professional debut for Rosario Central at the age of 17. He quickly became a fan favorite with his impressive dribbling skills and pinpoint crosses from the wing. His performances caught the attention of top European clubs, and in 2007, he made the move to Portuguese giants Benfica.
Adapting to New Roles at Real Madrid
At Real Madrid, Di Maria faced a new challenge – competing for a starting spot in a star-studded team alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Mesut Ozil. This forced him to adapt to new roles on the field, as he was often played out of position on the opposite wing or even as a central midfielder. But Di Maria rose to the occasion, showcasing his versatility and becoming an integral part of the team.
One of the most notable changes in Di Maria’s game at Real Madrid was his increased attacking contribution. While he had always been known for his pace and dribbling skills, he now added goals and assists to his repertoire. In his first season, he scored 9 goals and provided 17 assists in all competitions, helping Real Madrid win the Copa del Rey and La Liga titles.
Challenges at Manchester United and PSG
Di Maria’s time at Manchester United was a difficult one, marred by injuries and struggles with adapting to the Premier League. Despite joining the club for a record-breaking fee, he failed to make a significant impact and was eventually sold to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) after just one season.
At PSG, Di Maria found his form once again, playing alongside the likes of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. He continued to showcase his attacking prowess, scoring 16 goals and providing 20 assists in his first season. He also played a crucial role in PSG’s domestic treble in the 2019-20 season, scoring the winning goal in the Coupe de France final.
Di Maria’s Legacy: Inspiring Future Generations of Argentinian Talent
Di Maria’s evolution from a winger to an all-round attacking threat has not gone unnoticed in his home country of Argentina. Throughout his career, he has inspired countless young players with his skill and determination, paving the way for future generations of Argentinian talent to follow in his footsteps.
His legacy is also seen on the international stage, where he has been an essential part of the Argentinian national team since 2008. He has made over 100 appearances for his country and helped them reach the finals of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2015 Copa America. Despite falling short in both competitions, Di Maria’s contributions have not gone unnoticed, and he remains a key player for the national team.
Di Maria’s Future: Will He Return to Argentina or Seek New Horizons?
At the age of 33, Di Maria is nearing the end of his illustrious career. But he still has a lot to offer on the field, as seen by his consistent performances for PSG and Argentina. As his contract with PSG expires in 2021, there are speculations about his future – will he return to Argentina or seek new horizons?
Conclusion
Angel Di Maria’s evolution from a winger to an all-round attacking threat is a testament to his talent, hard work, and adaptability. He has faced numerous challenges throughout his career, but he has always risen to the occasion and proved his worth on the field. His legacy as one of the greatest Argentinian footballers of all time will continue to inspire future generations, and his contributions to the sport will not be forgotten. As he nears the end of his career, we can only wait and see what the future holds for this remarkable player.
