- Birthdate: 28 Apr 1988
- Birthplace: Burgos, Spain
- Position: Attacking midfielder
- Joined United: 25 Jan 2014
- Joined From: Chelsea
- International: Spain
- United Debut: 28 Jan 2014 v Cardiff City (H)
Juan Mata exudes class, intelligence and panache - and not just with a ball at his feet.
The Reds’ no. 8 asserted himself as one of Louis van Gaal’s key performers during the 2014/15 season, notching 10 goals from midfield, including a stunning overhead kick against Liverpool at Anfield. His display at Merseyside was nothing short of mesmeric and it was performances like these that elevated Juan to the status of a fans' favourite.
It wasn’t all plain sailing however, as the Spaniard did not start a league game between January and March, but his late-season form was one of the main reasons behind the club’s late season charge to fourth spot in the Barclays Premier League.
Mata is an influential performer in any of the three main attacking positions across the pitch behind the lead striker – on either flank or in the no.10 role. A world-class creator and consistent goal-getter, he netted 12 times in all competitions in his debut season with Chelsea in 2011/12, before scoring 11 in the league alone in the following campaign.
However, his game is about more than just attacking from deep to score goals. The Spain international has a sweet left foot, wonderful poise and balance, possesses great vision for a killer pass or wicked cross and is a danger from set-pieces anywhere on the pitch. His creativity sets him apart; few players can match his minutes-per-assist ratio in the division.
At Stamford Bridge, he produced a string of eye-catching displays – notably against United, enjoying a series of duels with fellow countryman, good friend and Reds goalkeeper David De Gea – and he was voted Chelsea's Player of the Year in both full campaigns in West London. These individual awards joined FA Cup, Champions League and Europa League winners' medals in his collection.
At international level, Mata's list of honours is even more impressive. He was among Spain's World Cup and European Championship winners, making one substitute appearance in South Africa 2010 before proving even more influential at Euro 2012 by scoring in the final against Italy. He also captained Spain to European Under-21 Championship glory in 2011 and represented his country at the London 2012 Olympics. Following his move to Manchester from Chelsea in January 2014 - when the Spaniard travelled to the Aon Training Complex by helicopter - his start to life at Old Trafford was equally inspiring.
Juan scored six times and compiled four assists in 15 appearances during his first half-season at the Theatre of Dreams. In addition, the Spaniard was named United's Player of the Month twice, and his free-kick at Newcastle made it onto the shortlist for the club's Goal of the Season Award. Mata was later on target for his country at the 2014 World Cup, finding the net in a 3-0 triumph over Australia, to set himself up nicely for his first full season at United.
