Two assists from Juan Mata helped Melbourne Victory to a 3-2 win over Perth Glory in the A-League on Friday.
Former Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata is enjoying his football at Melbourne Victory.
After playing a bit-part role at Western Sydney Wanderers in his first season since moving to Australia, Mata turned down a contract extension because he wasn’t a key part of the manager’s plans.
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Mata made a shock move to Melbourne Victory in the summer but remains part of the conversation at United, after serving eight years as a top club servant who led by example as a professional on and off the pitch.
This season, Mata has played a significant role for Melbourne Victory, racking up a couple of assists and starting most of the games.
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Mata was at his influential best for Melbourne Victory on Friday.
The 3-2 win over Perth Glory took Melbourne Victory within striking distance of top spot in the A-League.
Mata registered his first assist against Perth Glory when he dropped a corner to an unmarked Nishan Velupillay in the 53rd minute. The Spaniard also set up Santos for a third in the 69th minute.
Reacting to his fourth assist in the A-League season, Mata was asked what made him most happy about the win over Perth Glory.
Mata told A-League media: “What pleases me the most is the three points. Another great night in front of our fans and the atmosphere.
“It was a tough game. Perth are a good squad and they fight a lot. They put you under pressure, so I’m proud of the team. The way we came back and could keep scoring goals.”
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Juan Mata explains how his body is feeling at 37
In the same post-match interview after Melbourne Victory’s 3-2 win over Perth Glory, Mata was asked about how his body is feeling.
Mata played at the elite level throughout his career, winning the World Cup and Champions League, but he has taken the A-League by storm at the latter stages of his playing career.
“The body feels good,” Mata said. “And the mind feels even better.
“I think the more I play the better I feel. Every football player will tell you that. We are enjoying and we are performing well.
“It’s nice to be part of this team and I try to provide in an attacking sense. I try to follow every game plan and it’s working well. I’m enjoying my football and at this age it’s important to enjoy I think.”
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