Juan Mata is enjoying a resurgence in form since his move from Western Sydney Wanderers to Melbourne Victory three months ago.
The former Manchester United playmaker is currently enjoying his football in Australia, after a difficult first season in the A-League playing predominantly as a substitute for Western Sydney Wanderers.
Juan Mata left United in 2022 after spending eight years at the club following a successful stint at Chelsea, where he won the Champions League. He was later warned to leave United due to the arrival of former manager Jose Mourinho, although he remained a key player due to his technical brilliance.
The World Cup winner won the FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League during his time at Old Trafford, and he would later go on to play for Galatasaray and Vissel Kobe before taking his career to Australia.
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Bruno Fernandes recently described Mata as the ‘most technical’ player he has played with at United, which is huge praise from the current club captain. It shows that the former midfielder still holds a strong reputation at the Theatre of Dreams.
Juan Mata is a key influence at Melbourne Victory
Despite being offered a contract extension at Western Sydney Wanderers, Mata felt he needed something new, but stayed in Australia by joining Melbourne Victory.
There was a lot of hype when Mata initially moved to Sydney, but he rarely featured, and Melbourne Victory fans were underwhelmed due to factors such as age and limited A-League minutes at Western Sydney Wanderers.
That narrative has quickly changed because Mata has become a crucial part of Arthur Diles’ squad. The ex-United ace has already amassed his total minutes played last season after starting in seven of the 10 matches he has featured in.
Furthermore, Mata has registered two assists in his last three appearances for Melbourne Victory. That is the sign of a player rolling back the years after having his influence questioned at the beginning of the season.
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Mata managed just one goal and three assists in 23 appearances for Western Sydney Wanderers last season, which means he is well on course to smash that record at Melbourne Victory.
Melbourne Victory are currently positioned sixth in the A-League and sit six points adrift of leaders Auckland FC, who have one game in hand.
Big fixture coming up for Juan Mata
Melbourne Victory take on Western Sydney Wanderers on January 10, which gives Mata a chance to strike back against his former club.
A-League observers will think that Mata did not get enough of a chance to in Sydney, but now Melbourne Victory are benefiting from a player who has played at the elite level of football for the majority of his career.
This fixture is a big one in Mata’s calendar because it will be his first chance to play against Western Sydney Wanderers since leaving the club in the summer.
The Spaniard will be aiming to build on his current form over the coming matches to strengthen Melbourne Victory’s position in the A-League standings.
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