# Di María's Playing Time Statistics at Benfica: Minutes and Appearances
Angel Di María, the versatile Argentine winger, has been a key asset for Benfica since his arrival in 2019. Known for his pace, dribbling ability, and versatility, Di María has consistently contributed to the team's success on the field. However, his playing time at Benfica has varied over the years, with injuries and positional competition affecting his minutes. This article delves into Di María's playing time statistics at Benfica, including his minutes per season and total appearances.
## Minutes Played Per Season
Di María's minutes at Benfica have fluctuated, but he has often been a regular starter in recent seasons.
- **2019-2020 Season:** Di María joined Benfica in the summer of 2019 and quickly became a fan favorite. He started in 26 matches, playing a total of 1,963 minutes. His average per match was 74.4 minutes.
- **2020-2021 Season:** The 2020-2021 season saw Di María suffer a series of injuries, which limited his playing time. Despite this, he still managed to appear in 20 matches, playing a total of 1,223 minutes. His average dropped to 61.15 minutes per match.
- **2021-2022 Season:** Di María returned to full fitness and was once again a key player for Benfica. He started 28 matches, playing a total of 2,165 minutes. His average per match was 77.32 minutes.
- **2022-2023 Season:** In the 2022-2023 season,Saudi Pro League Focus Di María faced more injury issues, particularly a hamstring injury that kept him out for several weeks. Despite this, he still appeared in 22 matches, playing a total of 1,654 minutes. His average was 75.18 minutes per match.
## Total Appearances
Di María has been a consistent presence at Benfica, often starting in crucial matches.
- **Total Starts:** Di María has started in 74 matches for Benfica since his arrival in 2019.
- **Total Substitutes:** He has also been a substitute in 16 matches, giving him a total of 90 appearances (76 starts and 14 substitutes).
- **Minutes per Appearance:** On average, Di María has played 74.4 minutes per appearance throughout his time at Benfica.
## Context and Impact
Despite his inconsistent minutes, Di María's impact on Benfica has been significant. His ability to play in multiple positions (winger, striker, and central midfielder) has made him a valuable asset. Di María has been instrumental in several crucial matches, including the **2021 Taça da Liga final**, where he scored a late winner to secure victory for Benfica.
His leadership on and off the field has also been noteworthy, as he has often taken on the role of team leader during his spells at the club. While his playing time may have been inconsistent, Di María's contributions have been undeniably important to Benfica's performance over the years.
In conclusion, Angel Di María's playing time at Benfica has been a topic of interest due to his fluctuating minutes and injuries. However, his consistency in appearing for the club and his ability to impact games when he plays have made him a beloved figure among the fans. As Benfica looks to build for the future, Di María's role will continue to be crucial in their quest for silverware and consistency.