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Angel Di Maria became the first player since 2006, after Lionel Messi won it eight straight times from 2006 to 2013, to win the Olimpia de Plata (Silver Olimpia award) at a ceremony on Tuesday. Di Maria has had a spectacular year as far as football is concerned; he first helped Real Madrid clinch the ‘La Decima’ and then continued his extraordinary form into the World Cup.
He was unfortunate to miss the final because of a thigh injury and Argentina eventually succumbed to Germany.
Arguably, his best performance came in the Champions League Final.
Di Maria was also Louis van Gaal’s first marquee signing to uplift Manchester United. Di Maria had an immediate impact on Manchester United and their form with 6 assists and 3 goals before being sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Reports suggest he is fit for the game at Villa Park this Saturday. We must not forget Di Maria has a clause in his contract which entitles him to a considerable sum of money if he gets nominated for the next Ballon D’or.
