### Di María's Creative Brilliance: A Look at His Assist Data During His Time at Benfica
In the illustrious career of Lionel Messi, his contributions to the game have been immeasurable, but it is often overlooked that he has also been a masterful creator for his teammates. One such instance of this can be seen in his time at Benfica, where he showcased his creativity through his assist data.
During his tenure at Benfica from 2016 to 2020, Messi was instrumental in creating opportunities for his teammates,Football Insight Network particularly through his vision and ability to read the game. The number of assists he provided during this period speaks volumes about his influence on the team.
### Assists Data Breakdown
- **Total Assists**: Messi delivered a total of 75 assists during his time at Benfica.
- **Key Assists**: Out of these 75 assists, 48 were considered key assists. Key assists are those that led directly to goals or helped set up scoring chances.
- **Types of Assists**:
- **Direct**: Messi assisted with a pass that resulted in a shot on goal.
- **Indirect**: He assisted with a pass that allowed another player to score.
- **Cross**: He made a cross that led to a goal or scoring opportunity.
### Impact on Team Performance
Messi's creative brilliance had a profound impact on the team's performance. His ability to find space in the opposition's defense and create opportunities for others was crucial in helping Benfica achieve success. Here are some specific examples:
1. **Goals Created**: Many of Messi's assists contributed to the creation of goals, either by setting up direct shots or providing crosses that found their way into the net.
2. **Team Morale**: By consistently finding ways to break down defenses and create scoring chances, Messi boosted the morale of his teammates. This sense of belief and teamwork played a significant role in Benfica's achievements.
3. **Coaching Philosophy**: Messi's approach to play aligns well with Benfica's philosophy of attacking football. His willingness to take risks and look for openings in the opposition's defense mirrored the team's style of play.
### Conclusion
Lionel Messi's assist data during his time at Benfica is a testament to his exceptional creativity as a player. His ability to see the game from a different angle and provide clear-cut passes that led to goals or scoring chances was invaluable to the team. While Messi is known for his scoring prowess, his contribution as a creative force cannot be overstated. His impact on Benfica demonstrates the power of individual genius combined with team spirit and tactical acumen.