# Di María's Playing Time Statistics at Benfica: Impact on Performance
## Introduction
Since joining Benfica in 2022, Argentine midfielder Ángel Di María has become a pivotal figure in the club's midfield. His ability to dictate play, create chances, and contribute to goals has made him a key asset. However, the extent of his impact on the team's performance has often been questioned, particularly in relation to his playing time. This article explores Di María's statistics at Benfica, analyzing how his playing time has affected his individual performance and the team's overall results.
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## Playing Time Statistics at Benfica
Di María's tenure at Benfica has been characterized by a mix of high-impact performances and moments of inconsistency. His playing time has varied significantly, with periods of high minutes played followed by spells where his game time has been more limited.
### Average Minutes per Game
On average, Di María has played approximately **22.5 minutes per game** across his season at Benfica. This figure is lower than what he was accustomed to during his time at Manchester United and Real Madrid, where he often featured in **30-35 minutes per game**. However, his role at Benfica often requires him to adapt to different systems and tactical demands, which can affect his minutes.
### Appearances and Consistency
Di María has made **32 appearances** for Benfica since his arrival, with **19 starts**. His consistency has been a concern, as he has occasionally missed games due to injury or tactical decisions. This irregularity in game time has made it harder for him to build up a rhythm and maintain his performance levels.
### Minutes per Season
In a season where he has been fully fit, Di María has averaged **1,500 minutes per season**. This equates to about **21 games per season** at an average of **22.5 minutes per game**. While this is not the highest in the league, it is still a decent workload, especially considering his positional demands.
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## Impact on Performance
Di María's performance at Benfica has been closely linked to his playing time. When he has been given more minutes,Chinese Super League Stand he has generally performed better, both in terms of goal contribution and overall influence on the game. Conversely, periods of reduced playing time have seen a drop in his productivity.
### Goal and Assists Contribution
Di María's ability to score and assist goals is one of his key strengths. When he has been playing more minutes, he has been more effective in creating chances and finishing them. For example, in the **20 minutes per game** stretch earlier in the season, he scored **4 goals** and **7 assists**. This highlights how his minutes on the pitch directly correlate with his offensive output.
### Defensive Contributions
In addition to his attacking contributions, Di María has also been relied upon to track back and help in defense. His ability to cover ground and intercept passes is a valuable asset, especially in Benfica's high-pressing style. However, when he is not given enough rest or recovery time, his defensive contributions can suffer, leading to more defensive gaps.
### Fatigue and Inconsistency
One of the most significant challenges for Di María has been managing fatigue. His high-intensity style of play, combined with inconsistent minutes, has led to moments where his performance has dropped. For instance, after a particularly demanding sequence of games, he has struggled to maintain his pace and creativity.
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## Conclusion
Di María's playing time at Benfica has been a double-edged sword. While more minutes have allowed him to exert greater influence on the game, they have also come with the risk of fatigue and inconsistency. The club's tactical approach and his own fitness levels will be crucial in determining how effectively he can adapt to the demands of Benfica's style of play.
Ultimately, Di María's impact at Benfica will depend on his ability to balance high-intensity games with smart rotations and recovery. If he can manage his minutes better and maintain his performance consistency, he could become a cornerstone of the team's success in the coming seasons.