Di María: 11 goals from the number 11

Di María once again showed his class during Benfica's 0-2 win over Nacional on Thursday, December 19, the game in hand from matchday 8 of the Liga Betclic. The number 11 (Man of the Match) scored a brace at the Estádio da Madeira and reach the tally of 11 goals in the 2024/25 season.

It was the Argentinian World Cup winner's 6th goal in this edition of the National Championship, which elevated Di María to the status of the Eagles' top scorer in the competition after 14 matches. The left-footed player has scored against Santa Clara (1 goal), FC Porto (2), Arouca (1) and Nacional  (2, watch the video here).

In addition to his six goals in the league, he scored against Atlético de Madrid in the Champions League and Santa Clara in the League Cup, as well as the three he scored against Estrela da Amadora in the Portuguese Cup, a match in which he also created a great opportunity.

The No. 11's performance in the eagles' offensive maneuvering is also reflected in the number of passes to goal. Di María has already made five assists, specifically in the matches against Gil Vicente (1) and Rio Ave (1) in the league, Estrela da Amadora (1) in the Portuguese Cup and Monaco (2) in the Champions League. All in all, he played a direct part in 16 goals.

Looking at the data from the National Championship, the Reds' forward has an average of 55.8 shots per game and a total of six big chances created.

In the Champions League, Di María also created six big goal chances, averaging 48 actions with the ball per match.