Di Maria could be Argentine star in World Cup 2014

On the night that Real Madrid lifted the Champions Leaguetrophy for a record tenth time, they had to breach a stubborn defense as Diego Simeone set up his side just right. Atletico Madrid were as compact as a football team could be without bumping into each other.
They neutralized the exceptional counter-attacking threat of their cross-town rivals and frustrated them, even grabbing a slightly scrappy goal in the process to take the lead. However, Madrid were governed by a force that coaxed them forward, driving them towards the Ateltico goal time and again until they wore them down. That force was unmistakably the relentless Angel Di Maria.

On a night where Xabi Alonso was unavailable to conduct proceedings and was dearly missed by Luka Modric in particular, where for the first 90 minutes, Cristiano Ronaldo went missing for the most part while Gareth Bale couldn’t stop missing the target, Di Maria stepped up to the plate.

Di Maria was Madrid's driving force in the Champions League final
Sergio Ramos attracted the plaudits for his heroic late equalizer to take the game into extra-time and while Di Maria didn’t get his name on the score sheet, he was easily the most deserving. His stunning burst of pace and quick feet forced Thibaut Courtois into an equally sensational save only for Bale to nod in the all-important second goal.

His energy and drive were behind virtually every wave of attack Madrid launched and it was no surprise that he was named Man of the Match. In fact, he’s arguably been their Player of the Season. He may not have scored 50 goals but 11 is no shabby return from midfield, while his tally of 26 assists epitomizes his role as a team player.

Games   Goals       Assists Mins per Goal/Assist
52            11             26        101.13
Di Maria's stats for 2013-14

That’s precisely why he could shine for Argentina at the World Cup as well. Lionel Messi is undoubtedly the star of the national side, just like Ronaldo is for Madrid. But just outside the direct beam of the spotlight which will inevitably cascade down onto the Barcelona man, Di Maria could be the one who makes Argentina tick.

When Gareth Bale arrived at the Bernabeu last summer, the Argentine’s days in the Spanish capital appeared to be numbered. Isco began the season like a house on fire and academy prodigy Jese Rodriguez impressed as well. However, Carlo Ancelotti shifted to a 4-3-3 system and played Di Maria in central midfield from where he made an even bigger contribution.


"Di Maria is comfortable in the new role. His position in the centre is good for the balance of the team"

- Carlo Ancelotti
That contribution is made in the penetration he offers from midfield whether it's through his weaving solo runs or his exceptional delivery. It's little surprise then that he created more chances from than any other Madrid player in the league this season. In fact, he was second in the entire league on that front, falling just one short of Carlos Vela's 70 chances created.

Just like Madrid who have the likes of Ronaldo, Bale, Karim Benzema, Jese and Alvaro Morata to compete for the front three slots, Argentina have a plethora of attacking talent. Even without Carlos Tevez, they can call upon Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Aguero, Messi and Ezequiel Lavezzi in attack.

If Di Maria was used in the middle of the park instead, it would add some spunk to their midfield to complement the likes of Lucas Biglia and Javier Mascherano. He impressed in a diamond midfield while he was still at Benfica as well and so is more than accustomed to the role.

Argentina have plenty of attacking talent

Di Maria has been Madrid’s most consistent performer this season. He’s proved that he can not only co-exist in a team of superstars but aid them to produce their best. His presence in midfield translates into several advantages for the players upfront.


"It is very important for Argentina that Di Maria is playing in the central midfield position" - Crespo
Playing on the left side of a three-man midfield for Madrid, he regularly provided cover for Ronaldo when defending and was also able to drift out to the left flank either to overload that side or to provide width as the Portuguese occasionally took up a central position.

He’s able to transit from a central to a wide role effortlessly and invariably catches the concerned full-back off guard. That may even help Messi to drift inside at will and wreak havoc if he is made to start on the flank.

While he’s not your typical playmaker, he has a natural ability to get forward and link-up well with the front three. His driving runs from midfield often inject the penetration needed to unlock a stubborn defense by drawing in defenders and opening up pockets of space.

Di Maria could be the key to Argentina finally finding the right balance in their side and thereby discovering a winning formula. At 26, the Madrid man is in his prime and after the season he’s had, there won’t be a better time for the national side to get the best out of him.
Source: goal.com