Angel Di Maria has a few “man of the match” to his credit already, even though he’s only been with Manchester United a short time. His stellar presence and transcendent skill set really personifies the difference between Man United under Louis van Gaal versus Man United under David Moyes. United bought Angel Di Maria from Real Madrid for £59.7 million, a British transfer record. It shattered the club’s previous record of £37.2 million for Juan Mata.
Is he worth it? (We’ve debated that idea in a previous piece) Better yet, ask his teammates who train with him
‘He’s been amazing,’ Defender Tyler Blackett tells Match of the Day Magazine.
‘He’s one of the world’s best players and the things that he does in training really make us stop and stare.’
‘The dribbling, the close control, these are things that a lot of players would like to have, but that not everybody’s got. He really is special,’ says Blackett.
Yes grown men, professional players, are in awe of his abilities. They have to stop and gawk; like some star struck children looking up to their idol. That’s how good Angel Di Maria is.
As slow as United have started, they’re still in fourth place right now, the final spot to qualify for UEFA Champions League, if the season ended today. Take a look at the overall statistical production by Angel Di Maria so far, maybe it is money well spent.
Di Maria’s stats so far this season. pic.twitter.com/O6lKU0Gd2z
— Man Utd News (@SirAlexStand) October 7, 2014
And that goal scored by the Argentine Winger versus Leicester City was sublime (watch it here). His scoring strike on Sunday was sweet too (video here). Only an elite player with his skill set could have accomplished that. If there is anyone on the current United roster who could be place on the top 5 or top 5 current footballers list, it’s Angel Di Maria.
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and very often writes The Sports Bank.net ,which is partners with Fox Sports. Read his features stories in the Chicago Tribune RedEye edition. Listen to him on 1620 The Zone. Follow him on Twitter (@paulmbanks). His work has been featured in hundreds of media outlets including The Washington Post and ESPN 2