Manchester United defender Daley Blind has hailed the impact of Spanish midfielder Juan Mata on the side, claiming that he is a “joy to watch” following former Chelsea FC star’s incredible back-heel that set up United’s winner in 2-1 win against VFL Wolfsburg.
Having lost their opening tie in the UEFA Champions League, United hosted Wolfsburg knowing that nothing but three points is acceptable.
With the side 1-0 down to an early Wolfsburg goal, Mata pulled them level with a nicely taken penalty. Then, the wide-playmaker came up with a stunning back heel assist to set up Chris Smallings goal that proved to be the winner.
Juan Mata’s game by numbers vs. Wolfsburg: 98% pass accuracy 5 chances created 3 shots 1 goal 1 magical assist pic.twitter.com/Mfa4KZVBBQ
a Squawka Football (@Squawka) September 30, 2015
Blind hails Mata
Mata now has an assist and goal in each of his last two games. Impressed with the Spanish attackers impact on United, Dutch defender Daley Blind labelled him as a “joy to watch”.
As quoted saying by ESPN FC, . Blind said: “Mata is a joy to watch. He is a great football player, a great guy as well and he was very important for us and the team.”
Mata happy with the form and the team
Mata initially struggled to become a regular under Louis van Gaal last season, but, has been an ever-present this time around. He has already scored four goal with United topping the Premier League table, right now.
Expressing his satisfaction with his form and the team’s performances, Mata told UEFA.com:
“The ball came to me and I had a feeling there could be someone at the back post and Chris took it really well.
“The truth is I feel really good right now,” he added. “I just hope this moment continues and I can carry on in this vein. I am enjoying it, the team are winning and we’re in good shape.”
