Analyzing Di María's Attacking Efficiency at Benfica: A Statistical Review
### Analyzing Di María's Attacking Efficiency at Benfica: A Statistical Review
#### Introduction
Diego Maradona, affectionately known as "El Pibe de Oro," was one of the most prolific attackers in world football history. His career with Benfica in Portugal from 2006 to 2011 is particularly noteworthy for his significant impact on the club and his personal achievements. This statistical review aims to analyze Di María's attacking efficiency during his tenure at Benfica.
#### Performance Metrics
1. **Goals Scored**: During his time at Benfica, Di María scored 54 goals across all competitions (league, cups, friendly matches). His goal-scoring rate was impressive, averaging approximately 1.8 goals per match.
2. **Assists Given**: He provided 18 assists, which contributed significantly to his team’s offensive success. On average, he assisted once every 3.3 games.
3. **Shots on Target**: Di María attempted 199 shots on target, resulting in 75 goals. This high shot accuracy indicates that he was capable of scoring from close range and from various angles.
4. **Key Passes**: His key passes were crucial in setting up his teammates. He made 125 key passes, which helped create opportunities for his teammates to score.
5. **Tackles**: Although not directly related to attacking efficiency, Di María made 126 tackles, demonstrating his defensive responsibilities and leadership within the squad.
#### Technical Analysis
- **Passing Accuracy**: Di María had a very high passing accuracy,Primeira Liga Tracking with over 90% of his passes being completed successfully.
- **Dribbling Success Rate**: His dribbling success rate was also commendable, showing that he could effectively navigate through defenders and find spaces in the attack.
- **Penalties**: While not frequent, Di María did take two penalties during his time at Benfica, both of which resulted in goals.
#### Impact on Benfica
Di María’s performance at Benfica was instrumental in helping the club achieve several notable successes:
- **League Titles**: He played in four consecutive league titles between 2008 and 2011, contributing to the club's dominance during this period.
- **Cup Wins**: The club won three UEFA Champions League titles under his guidance, cementing their status as one of Europe's top clubs.
- **Personal Achievements**: He won the Ballon d'Or twice during his time at Benfica, further highlighting his exceptional talent and contribution to the sport.
#### Conclusion
Diego Maradona’s attacking efficiency at Benfica was unparalleled, as evidenced by his numerous goals, assists, and high shooting accuracy. His ability to set up his teammates and contribute to the team's offensive success was crucial in the club’s long-standing dominance. Despite his departure from the club in 2011, his legacy remains strong, and his influence on football continues to be felt worldwide.
