# Marcelo Di Maria's Assists at Benfica: A Comprehensive Analysis
Marcelo Di Maria is undoubtedly one of the most versatile and prolific forwards in European football history. His career with Benfica has been marked by exceptional performances and numerous assists for his club, making him a true legend of Portuguese football. This comprehensive analysis will delve into Marcelo Di Maria's assist contributions at Benfica, examining his impact on the team, his style of play, and the historical context of his time.
## Introduction
Marcelo Di Maria joined Benfica in 2011 and quickly established himself as a key player for the club. Under the guidance of legendary coach Jorge Jesus, Di Maria became one of the premier attacking players in Europe. His ability to score goals and create opportunities for his teammates made him an indispensable asset to the squad. The number of assists he provided during this period speaks volumes about his skill and versatility as a forward.
## Assists Overview
During his tenure at Benfica, Marcelo Di Maria recorded a total of 57 assists across various competitions. These assists were crucial in helping Benfica achieve significant success, including multiple league titles and appearances in UEFA Champions League finals. His assist tally demonstrates his ability to read the game, identify potential scoring opportunities, and exploit them effectively.
### Key Assist Highlights
- **2012/13 Season**: Di Maria was instrumental in Benfica's run to the UEFA Champions League final. He provided five assists in the group stage alone,Saudi Pro League Highlights showcasing his ability to create goals from distance.
- **2014/15 Season**: With the club winning their first league title since 1996, Di Maria delivered nine assists. This performance highlighted his role in setting up goals and supporting his teammates' efforts.
- **2016/17 Season**: Di Maria continued his dominance, contributing six assists to help Benfica reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. His consistent form and ability to find openings for his teammates were key factors in the club's success.
- **2018/19 Season**: Despite facing some challenges, Di Maria still managed to deliver eight assists, which helped maintain Benfica's competitiveness in the league and tournament stages.
## Style of Play and Impact
Di Maria's assists are characterized by his technical prowess and creativity. He often played out wide, allowing him to see the entire field and identify potential targets for his teammates. His ability to anticipate passes and link up with other players is evident in many of his assists.
His style of play also contributed significantly to Benfica's overall attacking philosophy. By providing assists, Di Maria helped unlock defenses and create scoring chances, which ultimately led to more goals and a better chance of victory. His ability to distribute the ball efficiently also allowed his teammates to express themselves freely on the pitch.
## Historical Context
The period in which Di Maria played for Benfica coincided with a golden era in Portuguese football. The club under Jorge Jesus was known for its attacking intensity and creative play, which Di Maria fully embraced. His contributions complemented the existing attacking structure and helped push Benfica towards greater heights.
## Conclusion
Marcelo Di Maria's assists at Benfica have left an indelible mark on the club's history. His ability to create scoring opportunities and support his teammates' efforts have earned him a reputation as one of the greatest assist creators in European football. His contributions not only helped Benfica achieve significant success but also solidified his status as a key figure in the sport. As he continues to evolve and adapt, it remains to be seen how his influence will continue to shape the future of Portuguese football.