When Manchester United announced the summer signing of Angel Di Maria from Real Madrid, the Old Trafford faithful were understandably full of excitement at the addition of a truly world-class player.
In his early days at the English club, the Argentine attacker proved his pedigree with goals and assists, with most onlookers agreeing that the ex-Benfica wideman was a luxury player that was well worth the substantial transfer fee shelled out on him.
However, since the turn of the year, the South American schemer’s form has dipped dramatically and Di Maria has not contributed to United’s battle to finish in the top four.
The Argentine international has not scored for United in the Premier League in 2015, while his influence when the side is in possession has reduced dramatically.
Of more concern has been his sloppiness when he has the ball, with the 27-year-old guilty of uncharacteristically coughing up possession on an alarming basis, which in turn breaks up United attacks.
There are many factors that could well be accredited as reasons for Di Maria’s loss of confidence and form, but manager Louis van Gaal must harbour the bulk of the blame for the star’s underwhelming last few months.
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The Dutchman is renowned in his willingness to change formations and switch player positions, with Di Maria struggling to find any continuity as a result of the former Netherlands coach’s changing of shape.
The Old Trafford outfit have experimented with 3-5-2, 4-4-2, 4-2-3-1 and other variations of system, which has meant different roles and responsibilities for the Argentine attacking midfielder.
In his early days in England, Di Maria revelled in his role on the left-side of a narrow United four-man midfield – a similar role that he played with distinction for Real Madrid in the Champions League last season.
However, with the Red Devils’ forward line not completely convincing, Di Maria was asked to play as a withdrawn striker in the United line-up.
Despite the 27-year-old’s experience and technical calibre, forcing the South American into playing a position that is alien to him and one which nullifies his obvious positive attributes was a faux pas by Van Gaal.
Di Maria has been reinstalled in a wide midfield role of late where he should be more comfortable, but the player’s head has dipped slightly and confidence is clearly an issue.
While fixtures have been coming thick and fast, the South American has had to get to grips with a first season in a foreign country, a new environment, club and language.
Most top players can overcome these obstacles and transition by achieving continuity on the pitch, but this has been pulled out from under Di Maria’s feet by the continual chopping and changing by Van Gaal.
Di Maria’s quality is undeniable and the Argentine has the ability to get back to one of the Premier League’s top performers in a short period of time – but must be given a consistent run of games in his preferred position to end a miserable recent run of form.
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