37-year-old Mata still shines at Melbourne Victory: scores a goal, an assist, and three 'MVP's
The Special Juan' is back. Mata has regained his smile and the minutes he missed during his stints at Galatasaray, Vissel Kobe, and Western Sydney Wanderers with his signing for Melbourne Victory.
The former Real Madrid, Valencia, Manchester United, and Chelsea player has accumulated one goal and one assist in the nine matches he has played this season—six as a starter—in the Australian A-League. His importance in the game, however, transcends the goals he has scored. Hence the three MVP awards he has already won.
"I still enjoy this sport. In every training session, in every game. It's a privilege to live this way. I love playing football and being able to do it in different countries, different cultures; it's a stroke of luck that I'm trying to make the most of," Mata confesses to MARCA. The 37-year-old midfielder can boast of being - along with Sergio Ramos, Pedro, Albiol, and Javi Martínez - one of the five remaining active players from the Spain team that was crowned world champions in 2010.
His coach, Arthur Diles, is also enjoying it: “For me, there is no discussion: Juan, from day one, has shown us his hunger to keep playing. He is on top of everything. He makes us better, not only in football but also on a human level. His presence in the dressing room conveys an optimism and energy that is contagious. Moreover, I see him getting a little better every day.”
They hallucinate in Australia
His 'masterclasses' have not gone unnoticed. Far from it. "He was exceptional. It was, probably, his best performance since he arrived in Australia. He was brilliant," highlighted former footballer Jake Barker-Daish after his performance —including an assist— in the victory against Adelaide United (2-1).
"This is the Mata we saw in the Premier League. He is good in tight spaces and has great vision for the game," emphasizes Thomas Sorensen, former goalkeeper of Aston Villa, Stoke, and Sunderland. Mata remains 'Special'.