Spanish superstar Juan Mata shone for Melbourne Victory on Saturday night as they ended their barren run of results with a 2-1 win over Adelaide United in the Original Rivalry.
At the heart of everything good when it came to Victory’s performance, the Spanish World Cup was influential in both goals as a Nikos Vergos double helped Arthur Diles’ side secure just their second win of the season.
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As such, the former Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder’s performance was a hot topic on this week’s episode of the A-Leagues Download with host Jake Barker-Daish, Melbourne Victory legend Archie Thompson and Danish legend Thomas Sorensen all waxing lyrical over the 37-year-old’s display.
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“Yeah, he was amazing,” said Thompson. “And to be honest, I think he’s probably been one of their best players throughout this A-League season.
“Technically, he’s so sound, but he plays it (the ball) where it’s meant to be. And for a striker and a forward runner, if you make those runs and you know you’re going to get them (balls) in a position where you need them, it makes your life easier.
“I think that’s why Victory had so much success in that game.
“Yeah, he was a conductor, you know, just conducting his orchestra,” added former Premier League goalkeeper Sorensen, who played against Mata during his time in England.
“He was involved, and he was turning back the years. This is vintage Mata that we saw in the Premier League.
He added: “I think he’s always been like that. He’s always been great in small spaces, great delivery, good vision. And I think we saw all that on display against Adelaide.
“He was by far the best player.
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Initially joining rivals Western Sydney ahead of the Isuzu UTE A-League 2024-25 campaign, Mata went on to make 23 appearances for the Wanderers.
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However, with only seven of those being starts last season the Spanish international opted to depart the club at the end of the season, and 54-time Socceroo Thompson believes Wanderers boss Alen Stajcic will regret letting the Spaniard leave.
“I reckon there’s probably some people at Western Sydney, even Staj, will be at home watching going ‘why did I have to let that guy go?’
Juan Mata of the Victory
“Because really, they’re missing someone like him and he’s doing wonders for Melbourne Victory.
“It doesn’t seem like rocket science!” added host and former Adelaide United midfielder Barker-Daish.
“You get a guy like Juan Mata – you just get him games, and then the quality starts to come.
“This is the first time that he’s had a real consistent run in the A-league.”
Next up for Victory is a mouthwatering Melbourne Derby against rivals Melbourne City at AAMI Park on Saturday night.
Check out the full Juan Mata discussion on this week’s episode of the A-Leagues Download below!
