Di Maria's first season he was adjusting to the league and new playing responsibility, overall a good season. His second season was fantastic, the third he was wildly inconsistent and let's be real he "crossed" Mou which made cerrtain people lose all objectivity in sdiscussing him and this year he has been pretty steady. "Overall" he has been quite good in the big picture compared to someone like Benzy as example. His playing style (high risk but high reward) makes him pretty polarizing though and as a result the middle ground with him is lost when discussing him.
Angel can be wildly inconsistent with his decision-making (which has gotten much better as of late to my eyes), but his class, skill, pace, raw talent, and energy is undeniable. I say that as someone who thought signing him was a colossal waste of some €40m as an unproven player from an inferior league. I think he can continue to transform into a world-class box-to-box midfielder.
I think Ancelotti just found a way to exploit his best attributes. He isn't the best decision maker near the opponents goal, but he is pretty damn good in midfield due to his energy, pace and quickness. Sometimes it takes the right influence imo.
One of the best players of the season. Love him and he deserves all the praise in the world. Strange how he has so few genuine fans, when he's such an exciting player.
Di Maria has more assists in the league than any other player in any of the European Leagues. He tops the table. I hate reading some of the posts on this thread. So much disrespect for this truly amazing player. So many complaints about his decision making or other nonsense comments. I won't even mention his defensive abilities. This man is the "player of the season" PURE HEART AND SOUL
I love this guy. He has been a revalation since being repurpossed by Ancelotti. So glad we kept him, instead of Ozil.
I was pissed when we sold Ozil instead of him, but Ozil would not have been able to give us what DiMaria has this season. Good on him.
That's a beautiful scene, I was skeptical in including Di Maria in the MF of a 4-3-3 but it's nice to see these two getting the result of believing in each other, jest one more game to go!
Me too. He was wonderful yesterday, very disciplined. Did get out of position a couple of times, but Ronaldo tracked back to cover.
Tops the assist table in La Liga Tops the assist table in the Champions league It's not all just heart and soul and fight and defensive abilities. This man is probably our most creative player too. One of the best crossers in the game, amazing cross-field xabi-like passes, through-balls, skills...everything. I won't be surprised if he is one of the best players in the world cup. Must never be sold. One of the lowest paid players here. It's about time he gets a pay rise for everything he does for this club.
Yes, I am in the same camp, amazing season for an amazing player, though I would rather have them both.
I wonder if he'll be sold in the summer; between him, Modric and Isco, I feel there's a surplus player in that group if we go for a physical CM.
At this point I'm operating under the assumption that Angel is gone this summer because his value is peaking and I think Isco is being groomed to take over that role. I sure hope not, though. I think he can be a world-class box-to-box mid.
I think people are overrating him a tad too much. Big player, but can be replaced, and with the money he brings in you can bring a proper midfielder. The past few games covered up our weaknesses in the midfield.
I agree completely. The same goes for Coentrao, Benzema and even Pepe for me. I wouldn't necessarily be looking to sell, but I'd listen to offers should a big one come in.