World Cup 2014: Player profile - Angel Di Maria, the Argentina forward

Counting down the 100 players to look out for in Brazil this summer

Angel Di Maria of Argentina

The World Cup in Brazil is coming into view and everyone is hoping this summer's carnival can take its place among some of the great tournaments of the past, but who will be the star of the show?

With 72 days to go until things kick-off, check out our latest instalment of 100 players to look out for at the competition below.

72. Angel Di Maria (Argentina)

The Argentine winger is currently enjoying a rich vein of form in La Liga that has helped Real Madrid compete domestically this term with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. Despite reports last summer that he was a target for Manchester United, he remained at the Santiago Bernabeu and has flourished under new manager Carlo Ancelotti.

The addition of Gareth Bale to the Italian’s own version of the Galacticos hasn’t unsettled the Argentinian winger or forced him amongst the substitutes in Madrid. His final ball sometimes leaves a lot to be desired, but his skilfulness in possession and his burst of pace will make him a threat to any right or left back at this summer’s competition.

The South American side are being touted as potential winners thanks to their familiarity with the conditions in Brazil – if they do manage their first World Cup success since 1986, Di Maria will undoubtedly play a starring role even with the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain at Alejandro Sabella’s disposal.

Did you know? His nickname is ‘Fideo’, which translated from Spanish means noodle