### Di María: 1.5 Season Rating vs Benfica
In the world of football analytics and player ratings, one name that stands out is Luis Suárez's former teammate, Diego Armando Maradona (commonly known as Di María). The Argentine forward has had a storied career with several top clubs including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and now in Chile where he currently plays for Colo-Colo.
One area of interest when evaluating Di María’s performance is his season rating compared to another prominent figure from his time at Benfica – Cristiano Ronaldo. This comparison provides valuable insights into how players perform under different managers and teams.
#### Background on Di María and Benfica:
Di María joined Benfica in 2007 and spent three seasons there before moving on to Manchester United in 2010. His tenure at Benfica was marked by significant success, particularly during his time with coach Jorge Mendes. Under Mendes' guidance, Di María became one of the most prolific strikers in Portuguese football history, scoring over 100 goals in just two seasons with Benfica.
Cristiano Ronaldo, on the other hand, arrived at Benfica in 2003 and remained there until 2018, playing for the club for nearly 16 years. During this period, he won numerous titles and accolades,Campeonato Brasileiro Action cementing his status as one of the greatest strikers in history.
#### Comparative Analysis:
When comparing Di María's season rating to Ronaldo’s, it becomes clear that both players have left a lasting impact on their respective clubs but achieved it through very different methods.
**Performance Metrics:**
- **Goalscoring:** While Ronaldo scored more goals than Di María throughout his time at Benfica, Di María’s goal-scoring efficiency was higher. In terms of per game contributions, Di María often found the back of the net more frequently.
**Impact on Team Dynamics:**
- **Ronaldo:** Ronaldo's impact was primarily felt on the field due to his exceptional talent and ability to score crucial goals. He was also instrumental in helping Benfica win multiple domestic titles.
- **Di María:** Although not lacking in individual brilliance, Di María contributed significantly to team cohesion and overall tactical execution. His leadership qualities were highly valued within the squad.
**Managerial Styles:**
- **Mendes (Benfica):** Mendes’ coaching philosophy focused heavily on attacking play, which suited Di María’s strengths as a striker who could create opportunities for himself and others.
- **Nuno Espírito Santo (Manchester United):** Nuno’s style emphasized possession-based football, which worked well for Ronaldo, despite his natural attributes being better suited to an attacking role.
#### Conclusion:
While both Di María and Ronaldo are revered figures in the sport, their careers at Benfica highlight different aspects of what makes a great footballer. Di María's success can be attributed partly to his ability to thrive under Mendes’ dynamic approach, while Ronaldo’s legacy is largely defined by his consistent excellence across various systems and philosophies. Comparing their ratings offers a nuanced view of their performances, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and fit within specific environments.