### Di Maria's Statistics in His First Season at Benfica: An Analysis

In the summer of 2015, Lionel Messi joined Real Madrid from Barcelona for a staggering transfer fee of €97 million. One year later, he was followed to Lisbon by another star player – Radamel Falcao, who had been on loan with Monaco and decided to make his move to the Portuguese giants after winning two league titles with the French club.

The first season of Falcao’s tenure at Benfica was not as successful as some might have hoped. He struggled to find consistency and goals, and despite his talent, he never quite reached the heights he achieved during his time with Monaco or in Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). However, one aspect that stands out is the statistics of Di María, who played alongside him for much of the season.

Lionel Messi, known for his prolific goal-scoring record, managed to score only 8 times in 44 matches for Benfica, which is significantly lower than his previous seasons with Barcelona and PSG. This statistic reflects the challenges faced by Falcao and Messi as they navigated their new surroundings in Portugal.

On the other hand, Di María showed more consistent form throughout the season. The Argentine forward scored 11 goals in 46 appearances, demonstrating his ability to adapt to different playing styles and environments. His contributions were crucial, particularly in creating chances for teammates and contributing to the team’s defensive solidity.

The statistical analysis also reveals that Di María’s assists per game were higher compared to his overall participation rate. This suggests that while he didn’t score many goals himself, he contributed effectively through set pieces and crosses, providing a vital link between midfield and attack.

Falcao’s absence from the starting lineup often meant that Di María stepped up his game even more. His improved performances helped Benfica maintain a competitive edge against stronger teams in the league, though it did not necessarily translate into direct results on the pitch.

Overall, while Di María’s statistics in his first season at Benfica may not be as impressive as those of Messi, they still represent a significant achievement given the circumstances. His role as a versatile attacking midfielder allowed him to play multiple positions and contribute in various ways, making him a valuable asset to the team.

This analysis underscores the importance of understanding individual performance metrics when evaluating players’ contributions, especially in contexts where they might face significant adjustments to their usual roles and environment. It highlights how Di María’s ability to adapt and perform under pressure can lead to success even without reaching the same level of scoring prowess as his compatriot Messi.

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