He was good in the cup games, yes. But he played horrible in that last league game against them. I like him, I love his versatility, I think he's a great player, but can we get better at that position, absolutely. There are more traditional players that fit that role better than he does that will allow us to play the game we want to play and help resolve this issue that we have with teams that pressure us high. He has been a great short term solution for us, his attitude is fantastic, but saying we need to upgrade in the long term in that position isn't a swipe at him. With Jese taking the minutes up front, and with Isco adapting (hopefully) to that 8 role, I'd bring a more traditional midfielder in the summer to play both the 8 and swap in with Modric when needed.
Di Maria didn't play in the return leg at the VC. Illara played the 90 there. He played well in the Bernabéu when Atleti were looking to contain more as opposed to the intense pressure they put on our midfield for the first 70 odd minutes in the league. He was also horrible at San Mames back in February. Di Maria has done well in his auxiliary role, but his spot is the first we need to address in the summer if 4-3-3 is Carlo's long term plan.
To be fair, Xabi and Modric were worse at San Mames. But yes, long term, that position needs to be addressed.
TBH, except maybe against Bayern, Di Maria wont probably have to face a team with such physicality in midfield.
People underestimate how smooth his transition to CM has been. The guy is one of the best instinctive wingers in the world, and he slotted in the midfield three with no fuss whatsoever. He adapted his game, I'd like to see Robben or Bale moving to midfield effortlessly like that. Credit goes to Carlo as well who has been amazing so far, but Di Maria is an absolute gem of a player.
Amazing performance from him today, he can be inconsistent at times but he always gives it his all on the pitch. Hopefully we don't make the mistake of letting him go in the summer.
Absolute monster game from Di Maria. More performances like this one, please! (Minus the few occasions where he gave the ball away cheaply in the center of the pitch, those can be dangerous.) Should have been Man Of The Match, was the best player on both teams. Highlights from today's clasico.
Its too bad he can never really last a full game, absolutely stellar first half, World Class. Poor second half though
I think Barca got smart and marked him tighter plus our mids were struggling to get the ball forward for our attackers. That said, he was good today.
He will have a great highlight reel from the first half. The problem is that what was so good about his performance was that it didn't exactly help the teams shape. If you look at what was so impressive about his performance last night it was fantastic dribbling, nice skills and great crosses -- all of that synonymous with a great winger. I can't remember too many things he did that made me think he's made for this new role of his.
commentator last nigh: when he will be out of fuel? i can answer for all of you - NEVER. amazing performance, of course at the end he was tired a little bit, but still MOTM easily.
Thats because he worked to nullify the non-existent movement of Xabi Alonso and the lack of any creation by Ronaldo.
Di Maria Vs Barcelona 83% Pass completion : 2 Assists 4 Key passes 7 /7 successful dribbles 3 fouls drawn 1/6 tackle 1 shot blocked 6/7 accurate long balls 3/6 Crosses completed
Isco is the only other player we have who's as technically gifted as ADM. Angel was passing through their midfield like a breeze.I was hoping Isco's introduction would impart a new dimension to our midfield but the Ramos-Neymar incident spoiled everything that followed.
I don't understand this comment, apart from all you said he did he also worked tirelessly to recover possession, kept Dani Alves mostly in his half, and helped Marcelo who wasn't doing to well with his duties control Neymar for the most part on that side of the field, at least that's what i saw, he wasn't completely perfect but show me one player who was, i think he did his job well and was our outstanding player.
Angel tortured Barça in the first half, but that mainly came from pinpoint crosses, fantastic dribbles and yes the great work ethic. It wasn't a controlled midfield performance from him or the other 2 midfielders either. Whilst we looked like scoring every time we attacked we have to acknowledge that whenever Messi or Fabregas found a pocket of space they looked like getting in behind. I don't think Di Maria has the awareness or tactical discipline to warrant a starting spot against the better midfields. Providing great work ethic is a great characteristic to have with your forward players, however, if you're playing CM in a 3 man midfield then putting in a huge shift us the least we can expect.
Modric and Di Maria our best players this season. I don't care what formation we play but we must build the team for the next few years around these players. Underrated
i was thinking in second half , bale should be off and isco should have been in. and dimaria should have played in bales position.
It pains me when I see someone like Di Maria putting in a monster effort showing pure grit and determination to grab all 3 points while others are cruising on the pitch. Edit: And for the record, we should do every thing we can to keep DM as a Madrid player come season end.
My God, Di Maria has gone from the reason Oezil had to leave to crotch grabbing villain to hero and the season isn't even over yet
You make it sound as if its Di Maria's fault that he needs to work for one pole (Xabi Alonso) and one ballerina (Modric, at least last night) as well.