22 Jul 2015 16:40:11
Also getting people on here saying that Mata isn't suitable because he lacks pace says everything that is wrong with the football in this country. The player is class. There have been fantastic stand out players over the years who "don't track back" or don't have the pace. Pirlo and Riquelme are 2 of my favourite players in my lifetime. Maradona, Messi, many great brazilians and other players (too many to list) were never criticised by their own nations or fans for not havin enough pace or defensive ability. Just enjoy the talent and get your kids to have a closer look. Some of the touches Mata takes are just absolute class if you are watching a little closer.
22 Jul 2015 16:59:32
Supasub. Also if Mata was played in the number 10 where he belongs instead on the wing he'd be even better. He does drift in/out of games but his link in play with Herrera is brilliant. Unfair criticism as far as Mata is concerned. To many fans these are pick on certain players and completely forget how other players are playing. Because like Blind he lacks pace people get on their backs. But they both have a footballing brain. I for one would be sad to see Mata go. Play him in the middle with Herrera and those two we cause havoc
22 Jul 2015 17:05:45
Generally I agree, I feel mata is playing to his strengths. If he were to track back he'd more than likely be little use as it's not in his DNA to scrap and tackle. Alternatively when we do win possession back there's an outlet sat just upfield in the form of Juan.
22 Jul 2015 17:14:24
Agreed, I think he is class. Most of my mates who support other teams also agree that he is a top notch player. Why some other United fans don't see that, I'm unsure.
How could he even use his pace? In the Moyes season we played unbearably slowly and in many of the games last season we did as well. Can't exactly show any pace if the team aren't stretching the pitch and making the other team work for space anyway.
I actually find him to be more consistent game by game than most of our other attacking players.
22 Jul 2015 17:17:53
I think he only plays him wide right because of the lack of other options
22 Jul 2015 17:28:33
good player but I've always thought there was a reason jose got rid of him .
22 Jul 2015 17:45:04
Although I do agree he is a fantastic player, you cannot deny that Mata on the wings is not his best position as his pace hinders him, and is constantly looking for other runners instead of carrying the ball forward himself, and thus slows our attacking play in the final third. However he does like to drift inside, and I think LVG looks to have given him more of a free role, and as its unlikely we are going to see him in his favored position, we should play to his strengths, but this will cost us in games where the left flank isn't working, and we have to find another way through.
22 Jul 2015 17:51:23
Tbh I've never rated pirlo, he is a player that relies on others around him to do his running.
he's the hipsters footballer. But does have a great beard :)
22 Jul 2015 19:01:22
Agree about mata supasub but your comment about Messi and Maradona lacking pace is ridiculous. Messi has incredible pace and especially over the 10 yards. Maradona was no slouch either, just remember the goal he scoered against England where he took over the whole team on his own and no one could catch him!
{Ed007's Note - His header against England in that match was a peach as well.}
22 Jul 2015 20:40:12
Hahaha love it!!
22 Jul 2015 20:42:42
If you could pick a professional footballer for your kid to learn from in all aspects of the game, including how to conduct yourself on and off the pitch, then I wouldn't look any further than Mata. Class act all round.
{Ed007's Note - I'd go for Roy Keane.}
22 Jul 2015 20:47:38
I was talking about Messi & Maradona not tracking back.
22 Jul 2015 22:16:36
Yeah ed. Still gutted about that.
{Ed007's Note - That's one of the reasons that Diego is THE best player ever to play the game.}