Angel Di Maria has played at the top level of football for the vast majority of his glittering career.

In 2022, he became a world champion with Argentina, helping his country lift the greatest competition of them all by scoring in the final.

The 36-year-old has several Champions League and La Liga titles to his name, and has also played for Manchester United, PSG and Juventus.

The winger now turns out for Benfica and is preparing along with his teammates to take on Rangers this midweek.

The first leg of their Europa League last-16 clash will take place in Lisbon on Thursday, before the return leg in Glasgow a week later.

He's hailed Jack Butland as one of Europe's top goalkeepers, while also recognising James Tavernier and Fabio Silva in their 'excellent' squad.

Di Maria said: “Rangers wasn’t the best opponent for us in this draw but at this stage, every rival is complicated.

"We have the first match at home so we’ll need maximum concentration to get a good result. It will be decided in Glasgow but we have to go there with an advantage.

"I don’t predict many goals in this tie. We have watched Rangers and they have an excellent squad.

“The keeper, Butland, is one of the best in Europe. They have the experience of James Tavernier – and Fabio Silva will be super-motivated for this match.

"If we control the ball against Rangers, I’m convinced we can score goals. But this will be a big battle for us. We wanted to be in the Champions League but our challenge now is to reach the Europa League final.”

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Rangers go into the game after a shock Premiership defeat to Motherwell on Saturday. 

Dan Casey ensured the points left with the Lanarkshire side, as Philippe Clement's team slipped up in the title race.