Title: Di Maria's Goalless Season: Analysis of His Assists at Benfica
Introduction:
Lionel Messi has been one of the most successful players in football history. However, he is not without his struggles and setbacks. In this article, we will analyze Lionel Messi's goalless season at Benfica and his contributions to the team through assists.
The Goalless Season:
In January 2019, Lionel Messi joined Benfica after leaving Barcelona. Despite his impressive performances for Argentina, Messi struggled to find form at Benfica. He scored only three goals in 45 matches during his first season with the club.
However, Messi's assist count was much higher than his goal tally. During his time at Benfica, Messi made 66 assists, which ranks him as the second-highest assist creator in European football behind Cristiano Ronaldo (88).
Assist Analysis:
Messi's assists were crucial for Benfica's success. They allowed the team to create many scoring opportunities that would have otherwise gone unanswered. For example, Messi's assist against Real Madrid in December 2019 led to a late equalizer for Benfica.
Moreover, Messi's assists helped to break down the opposition's defense. His ability to find open spaces in the opposing team's half and deliver accurate passes was instrumental in creating chances for other players on the field.
Conclusion:
Despite his struggles to score goals, Lionel Messi's assist count at Benfica was exceptional. His contributions to the team through assists were vital in helping them to achieve their goals. Messi's ability to create scoring opportunities and break down the opposition's defense makes him an invaluable asset to any team. Whether it be at Barcelona or Benfica, Messi's influence on the game cannot be overstated.