Argentina manager Tata Martino believes Angel Di Maria is still adapting to life in England with Manchester United.
Di Maria arrived at Old Trafford from Real Madrid this summer and was one of United’s top performers in the opening weeks, however, a dip in form has seen the winger receive heavy criticism in recent weeks.
Argentine national boss Martino was speaking ahead of the international friendly with Portugal at Old Trafford and said that Di Maria was still adapting to life in the Premier League.
“I have to say that Angel is one of the very top players in world football,” he told reporters.
“His start was exceptional and the fact that generally when players go to a new club and have to get used to a new league, a new team, a different style of football and different team-mates, I think the form that he is showing now is possibly more typical of a player going to a new club than the very first few games when he burst onto the scene and did so well.”
Former Barcelona boss Martino went on to praise the former Benfica man, discussing his performances for Madrid last season.
“With regards to his position, I would say that Angel is the type of player who can play a number of different roles expertly,” he added.
“You only have to look a few seasons back when he played on the right side for Real Madrid and in the season just gone, he featured more on the inside-left, in a freer role.
“Obviously, in the World Cup, he did very well when he played wide left so really, in terms of positioning, he can adapt to anywhere where the manager asks him to play.”