Angel Di Maria compared to Diego Maradona by Gianluigi Buffon ahead of Juventus transfer

Angel Di Maria has been tipped to make the same impact in Serie A as Diego Maradona by Italian goalkeeping legend Gianluigi Buffon.

Maradona, widely regarded as the greatest footballer of his generation, joined Napoli from Barcelona in 1984 and inspired the Naples club to two Serie A titles – the only occasions in which the club tasted league success.

Di Maria is poised to join Juventus as a free agent to play in Italy for the first time in his career after his contract at Paris Saint-Germain expired. His former PSG teammate Buffon – who, aged 44, is still playing with Serie B side Parma – believes the former Manchester United playmaker can make a similar impact in Italy as his compatriot Maradona did.

Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Buffon explained that Di Maria would inject much-needed technical attacking ability to the top-flight of Italian football: “Right now, Di Maria in Serie A, is like Maradona. Am I clear?”

The goalkeeper continued: “Footballers must be valued considering the context where they play. Today, Serie A is technically poorer and Angel has so much technique.

“He is decisive in front of goal, he dribbles past his opponents so easily. He is good at delivering assists and runs up and down on the pitch. He can play in different roles. In a few words: he is a football player.”

When asked if Di Maria being the advanced age of 34 would be a drawback, Buffon highlighted that he was 10 years older and still playing before adding that “age does not matter”. The goalkeeper declared that “motivation and passion” are much more important factors for longevity at the top level.

Buffon continued: “We are talking of an exemplary professional, a nice guy, one who never gives up and fights during games and