Everton FC News: In-form midfielder Angel Di Maria commits to assisting Benfica

Nov 5 2009 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

Everton FC News: BENFICA midfielder Angel Di Maria has distanced himself from speculation linking him with a move to England and the Premier League.

The 21-year-old Argentinean has won plaudits after a string of impressive performances, including an outstanding display in the 5-0 victory over Everton in the Europa League a fortnight ago.

The teams meet again tonight in Group I at Goodison Park, and Di Maria insists he is focusing solely on Benfica and is not concerned about the prospect of a big-money move or his chances of making the World Cup with Diego Maradona’s side.

He said: “I am only thinking about Benfica and looking forward to playing the match.

“I want to do my best for the club this season and then we will see what happens.

“We will have to be on top form as Everton are very strong at home and it will be different from Lisbon.”

Benfica go into the match on the back of their first league defeat of the season at the weekend, when they lost to Braga.

They have also failed to win on the road in seven European matches, but Di Maria added: “I am not that worried.

“It is not important. We are not thinking about Braga now, only what we can do when we face Everton.”

Benfica are ahead of David Moyes’s team on goal difference at the top of the group, with BATE Borisov and AEK Athens playing catch-up.

Coach Jorge Jesus, who is set to ring the changes, said: “It is an important game for both teams.

“Perhaps one point each would be good enough. But we have to think of both the Europa League and Portuguese league.

“While we won 5-0 the last time, Everton are a strong team. They like to play a direct style and will be difficult opponents on their own ground.”