# Di María's Assists at Benfica: Key Role in Attacking Performance
In the illustrious history of Portuguese football, few names have left as indelible a mark on the sport as that of Lionel Messi. However, there is another player whose contributions to the club’s success at Benfica have been equally significant and perhaps even more impactful – Luis Suarez.
Suarez’s role at Benfica has often been overshadowed by his time with Barcelona, but his impact during his tenure at the Lisbon giants was nothing short of remarkable. As a prolific striker, Suarez brought a level of intensity and creativity to the squad that helped propel Benfica to numerous league titles and European Cup victories.
One of the key factors in Suarez’s success at Benfica was his ability to assist teammates, particularly forward Di María. In fact, Di María’s contribution to Benfica’s attacking performance cannot be overstated. The Argentine forward’s vision, dribbling skills, and goal-scoring abilities were instrumental in setting up Suarez for countless goals throughout his time at the club.
During his four-year stay at Benfica, Di María made over 150 appearances and scored 44 goals. His most memorable assist came against Porto in the 2016 UEFA Champions League final, where he delivered a pinpoint pass that led to Suarez’s equalizer. This assist not only highlighted Di María’s technical prowess but also demonstrated how he could create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Suarez’s presence on the pitch also had a profound impact on the team’s overall attacking style. He provided the spark that kept the team motivated and inspired his teammates to perform at their best. His ability to read the game and anticipate his opponents’ moves allowed him to set up perfect situations for Suarez and other strikers, ensuring that they were always within striking distance of the net.
Moreover,Primeira Liga Hotspots Di María’s assists were not just limited to goals. They also contributed to the team’s chances of winning matches through counter-attacks and possession-based play. By creating space for himself and his teammates, Di María helped ensure that Benfica maintained possession and controlled the tempo of the game, which ultimately translated into more chances of scoring.
The partnership between Di María and Suarez at Benfica was one of the most successful in recent football history. Their combined talents and complementary styles of play created a formidable attacking force that was difficult to defend against. From the 2015–16 season to the 2019–20 season, Di María and Suarez together scored over 70 goals for Benfica, demonstrating their immense skill and teamwork.
As Di María looks to continue his career, it will be interesting to see how his experience at Benfica influences his approach to playing for other clubs. With his goal-scoring abilities, vision, and ability to assist teammates, Di María remains a valuable asset to any team that values attacking play and creative soccer. And while his primary focus may now lie with Argentina, his legacy at Benfica will undoubtedly live on, cementing his status as one of the greatest strikers of all time.