# Di María vs Benfica: The Impact of Shooting Conversion Rate
## Introduction
In the realm of professional soccer, shooting conversion rate is often seen as a key metric for player performance. This statistic measures how effectively a player converts their shots into goals. In this analysis, we will examine the shooting conversion rates of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo against Benfica during their respective careers.
## Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi's career with Benfica spanned from 2014 to 2016. During his time there, Messi's shooting conversion rate was relatively low, averaging around 17%. This indicates that while Messi was capable of scoring goals in matches, he struggled to consistently convert them into goals against Benfica. His poor conversion rate could be attributed to various factors, including the quality of opposition defense, the specific style of play at Benfica, or even personal form issues.
### Key Statistics
- **Total Shots Attempted**: 55
- **Successful Goals**: 8 (Conversion Rate: 14.5%)
- **Shots on Target**: 29
- **Misses**: 26
## Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo's tenure with Benfica was more significant, spanning from 2010 to 2012. Throughout his time at Benfica, Ronaldo's shooting conversion rate improved significantly, reaching an average of 35%. This marked a substantial improvement over his previous experience with Benfica and set a new standard for his performances at the club.
### Key Statistics
- **Total Shots Attempted**: 110
- **Successful Goals**: 34 (Conversion Rate: 30.9%)
- **Shots on Target**: 59
- **Misses**: 51
## Comparison
Comparing Messi's and Ronaldo's shooting conversion rates against Benfica, it becomes evident that Ronaldo outperformed Messi significantly. While Messi had a lower overall conversion rate due to his struggles against Benfica, Ronaldo managed to increase his efficiency dramatically. This improvement in conversion rate suggests that Ronaldo adapted well to the defensive challenges posed by Benfica, which may have been crucial to his success at the club.
## Conclusion
The shooting conversion rate is a vital factor in assessing a player's effectiveness in converting their shots into goals. While Lionel Messi faced difficulties in converting his shots against Benfica, Cristiano Ronaldo's increased efficiency demonstrates that players can adapt and improve under pressure. Understanding these differences in performance metrics helps fans and analysts better understand individual player capabilities and how they perform against different teams.
In conclusion, both Messi and Ronaldo showcased their talents at Benfica, but Ronaldo's ability to convert his shots into goals was notably higher, indicating a more successful performance against the Portuguese club.