Angel di Maria

Angel di Maria is a young Argentinian international, aged 20, currently playing for Portuguese giants Benfica. The winger has shot to fame in Portugal with a number of superb appearances for his club.

As a youngster, di Maria began his career with Rosario Central, where he showed his abilities as a fast-paced, excellent crosser and dribbler of the ball.

Such performances alerted a number of Russian clubs to the player, including Rubin Kazan.

However, Benfica snapped up the youngster as the long-term successor to Simao Sabrosa, who left the club for Atletico Madrid. Benfica's president actually called di Maria the perfect replacement for Sabrosa.

Benfica splashed out 8 million EUR for the player, which looks like great value.

Since joining Benfica, di Maria has started showing his qualities in the league too. But it really was on the international stage with Argentina where di Maria proved he was something special.

The player was partly responsible for Argentina's glorious Olympics campaign, and di Maria actually scored the winning goal in the final against Nigeria.

At Benfica, di Maria will be given the opportunities to foster and nurture his talents, and the player has been tied down to a contract until 2012.

The likes of Real Madrid and Chelsea have already been linked with the player.

EYEFOOTBALL RATING:

Potential: 45/50

Current Ability: 39/50