As the world of football debates who the greatest player of all time is, one player who is often overlooked in the conversation is Angel Di Maria. Despite his impressive career achievements and consistent performances, Di Maria is frequently underrated and overlooked by football fans and pundits alike.
Former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal once described Di Maria as “the best player on the pitch” after a game, but the Argentine winger still fails to receive the recognition he deserves. However, for those who have followed his career closely, Di Maria’s impact on the game is undeniable.
Di Maria began his career in Argentina, playing for Rosario Central before making the move to Europe in 2007 to join Portuguese side Benfica. He quickly made a name for himself as a talented and versatile player, catching the attention of Real Madrid, who signed him in 2010.
During his four seasons with Real Madrid, Angel established himself as one of the most exciting and dynamic players in the world. He played a crucial role in the club’s successes, helping them win La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League.
In 2014, Di Maria made the move to Manchester United, where he struggled to adapt to the Premier League and was often played out of position by then-manager, Louis van Gaal. Despite this, he still managed to score four goals and provide 12 assists in his first season with the club.
After just one season at Old Trafford, Angel made the move to Paris Saint-Germain, where he has since established himself as a key player. He has helped PSG win numerous domestic titles, as well as reaching the Champions League final in 2020.
Despite his impressive record, Di Maria is often overshadowed by his more famous teammates, such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. However, those who have played alongside him speak highly of his abilities and his impact on the game.
Di Maria is a complete Player – PSG teammate Edinson Cavani
In a recent interview with The Guardian, former PSG teammate Edinson Cavani said of Di Maria: “Angel is an incredible player, one of the most underrated in the world. He’s got a great work ethic, he’s fast, he’s intelligent, he can score goals, he can create them. He’s just a complete player.”
Di Maria’s versatility and adaptability are among his greatest strengths. He is comfortable playing on either wing, as well as in a central attacking midfield role. He is also known for his exceptional dribbling skills, as well as his ability to score from distance.
Despite his impressive record, Di Maria has faced criticism throughout his career, particularly for his performances in big games. However, former PSG manager Thomas Tuchel defended him, saying: “Angel is a top-level player. He always wants to play and he always wants to help the team. He’s a great professional and a great person.”
Di Maria‘s achievements both at club and international level speak for themselves. He has won numerous titles and awards throughout his career, including the Copa America with Argentina in 2021. Despite this, he still does not receive the recognition he deserves.
As the world of football continues to debate who the greatest player of all time is, it is important not to overlook the contributions of players like Angel Di Maria. His impressive record and consistent performances make him one of the most underrated footballers of all time, and a player who deserves more recognition.
