Football
Jason Davis, U.S. soccer writer 8y

Angel Di Maria, MF, PSG & Argentina: #CopaRank: No. 7

Welcome to #CopaRank, a weeklong look at the top 25 players we expect to see at the Copa America Centenario. Over 50 ESPN FC experts and writers from around the globe voted, and we're rolling out the results right up to opening day, U.S. vs. Colombia, on Friday.

Why is Angel Di Maria in the top 25?

After a trying season in England in 2014-15 with Manchester United, the Argentine winger reminded the world why he cost the Red Devils nearly £60 million by excelling at PSG in 2015-16. Blessed with natural athleticism, Di Maria compliments his gifts with a technical repertoire that is the envy of players the world over. While he can score, his more regular contribution comes in the form of setting up teammates, something he did to great effect with the French champions this season. Di Maria is a top-class crosser, hits a fantastic set piece, and has the innate ability of a true playmaker to play the right pass at just the right time to lead to a chance on goal.

What the experts say about Di Maria

"We've taken huge steps forward this season; we hold the ball better and have improved both technically and tactically. Much of this is thanks to Di Maria's transfer. He is strong in one-on-one situations, provokes the opposition and destabilises them. He's also a goal threat." - PSG defender Thiago Silva.

"Di Maria is not among the 15 best players in the world. He is among the best three. Leo (Messi) is from another planet. After him comes Fideo (Di Maria), with Cristiano Ronaldo." -- Argentina midfielder Lucas Biglia.

Career highlight:

Di Maria's shining moment came in the 2014 Champions League final, when his performance in Real Madrid's 4-1 triumph over Atletico Madrid earned him UEFA's Man of the Match Award. With the match tied 1-1 after regular time, Di Maria's run and shot forced a save from Thibaut Courtois that Gareth Bale headed home, sending Madrid on their way to victory.

Stat of the season:

Di Maria set a Ligue 1 single season record with 18 assists this year.

What next for Di Maria after the Copa America Centenario?

The transfer chatter around Di Maria is quiet at the moment, just one year after his move to PSG and the rejuvenation of this career. The Argentine figures to stay in Paris, likely taking on an even larger role with Zlatan Ibrahimovic leaving the club.


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