Di Maria made his name with Rosario Central back home in Argentina and it was not long before European clubs came calling, with the appeal of playing in the Portuguese league with Benfica proving too much of a lure.

He lasted three years at the club before his performances began to attract the elite and, having been a key player during the Olympic Games in Beijing 2008, when his team won the gold medal, he signed for Real Madrid for around €25 million in the summer of 2010.

Strengths: Skilful on the ball, he is an excellent dribbler and has a good burst of pace in order to beat his man.

Weaknesses: Sometimes he holds on to the ball for too long and his final ball is not always the best.

Career high: His demolition of Everton in the Europa League of 2009-10 saw his stock rise quickly.

Career low: During his first few months in the Argentine top division he was constantly criticised by fans of Rosario Central.

Style: Fast, tricky, a midfielder with real attacking zeal.

Quotes: "Angel has the quality to be a worldwide superstar within the next two years. I have always followed his career closely, and his level has increased enormously during the time he has been playing in Europe." Diego Maradona.

Trivia: He goes by the nickname 'Fideo', which is the Spanish word for noodle.