da doce： Juan Mata prepares for his second full season at Manchester United, as they gear up for life back in the Champions League. The £37.1m acquisition from Chelsea impressed as United finished fourth last time out, after a frustrating first six months at Old Trafford. Louis van Gaal’s blunt assessment of team mate Ashely Young revealed his desire to bring more ‘creativity’ into the squad. Mata can provide it in abundance.
da aviator aposta： With elite level forwards very hard to come by, the Manchester United number 8 is arguably the best number 10 in the league. Both Mesut Ozil and David Silva run him very close, but Juan should be the most important matter in van Gaal’s rebuilding project.
With the addition of Memphis Depay and the return to form of Luke Shaw, Mata’s skill on the ball and speed of thought can flourish. In an ideal world, Angel Di Maria would line up alongside him to provide further drive and energy, but life simply isn’t that easy apparently. With the added speed to the team, the quick-thinking Spanish schemer can supply the willing runners with key passes to run on to.
Lining up behind Wayne Rooney, the intricate passes we have seen so often from the World Cup winner will no doubt make many an appearance. Should compatriot Pedro arrive from Barcelona to replace Paris bound Di Maria, yet another lethal wide forward is lying in wait to finish off a slick Mata assist.
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With fellow passing expert Ander Herrera in the side, possession will not be a problem. Now Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger line up in the engine room, Mata and his fellow countryman can link up with little fear of a losing the ball.
Shifting the Spaniard out wide is also an option for van Gaal. Though he does not have rockets in his boots like other wingers in the league, his stellar performance against Liverpool earlier this year showcased his prowess on the wing.
Should another striking option not arrive at Old Trafford this year, Mata is no stranger to chipping in with goals. 21-goals during the 2012/13 campaign for both Chelsea and Spain showed what an excellent goal scorer he can be. 33 goals in 135 appearances over two and a half years at Chelsea is an excellent return on for a midfielder, especially one who lacks the pace to arrive late in the box.
The tricky two-time Player of the Year at Stamford Bridge instead floats around the edge of the penalty area, ghosting between the lines. He is neither particularly strong nor speedy, but his vision for a pass or a goal is fantastic.
With wicked wing wizards either side of him, and the small matter of England captain Wayne Rooney just ahead, the Red Devils already have a ‘Galactico’. Few have won as many titles as the skilful Spain man, and it is doubtful they could realistically purchase an upgrade.
United may be one ‘Galactico’ short of their European rivals, but the Juan they have already in their ranks is vitally important for them this year.
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