Real Madridare reported to have placed a £40 million price tag on Angel Di Maria thus encouraging Manchester United and Arsenal to rekindle interest in their chase to bring the midfielder to the Premier League. But do Manchester United actually need him?
Perhaps the best way to assess the quality of Real Madrid and Argentina’s Angel Di Maria is to begin with Jurgen Klopp’s assessment of him during the group stages of the Champions League last season. He is reported to have said ‘You can’t mark Di Maria’. Commentators at Squawka have also described him as “one of the most underrated player in world football currently”.
The 26 year old attacking midfielder who can also play wide in the flanks has made enormous contributions to the Bernabeu since joining them in 2010. Last season, he got Europe enviable record of 17 league assists and 5 goals in the Champions League; a feat unrivalled in Europe. He has unsurprisingly held his position in the Madrid teamin spite of the coming of Gareth Bale whose playing position seem to clash with his. In addition to his dribbling skills and attacking flair, his ability to run directly at defenders and out run them is perhaps the reason he has been very devastating in attack. He’s fearless and swift in attacking. Although is goal scoring record is abysmally poor, only 4 in 34 games, he has more than make up for this failing by the quality of his passes after long runs right from his own half up to the opponent’s area. His assists records is superb and it is even better when you consider his “second assists” as well.
Would he make a good buy for United and would he fit into the team? Everyone who knows the United team would completely agree that should United pull this transfer through, it would be one of their best buys ranking in value and influence with the transfer of Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie. Di Maria is exactly what the Red Devils need at this time.
Even with an avalanche of wingers like Ashley Young, Nani and Valencia, United still lack quality in the flanks. With United’s style of attacks from the wings, the quality of play especially from Young and Valencia last season has been horribly poor. Crosses have always missed their target and the runs have ended poorly. Adnan Yanazaj, still a player of the future, is yet to master the skill of a consummate winger like Di Maria.
Di Maria will add invaluable quality to United’s attack. His tireless runs at defenders will free United’s strikers up front. Another area where Di Maria’s quality will be useful is in his ability to initiate swift counter attack. United has been known for their quick counter attack but that completely disappeared during the Moyes’ era. No player in the squad could hold possession on the counter, this and more Di Maria can do.
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