Manchester United midfielder Daley Blind has hailed the “exceptional” performance of Juan Mata following the 3-0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
Mata had spent a number of weeks on the substitute’s bench prior to the game but Angel di Maria’s suspension meant he was given a chance to impress.
The Spaniard grabbed the opportunity with both hands, terrorising the Spurs defence with some mazy runs and clever passing.
Blind, who played at left-back during the game due to an injury to Luke Shaw, was delighted for Mata and said that he is a fantastic footballer:
Blind: "Juan is exceptional. He's a great player." pic.twitter.com/IcpVmg4PVY
— The Peoples Person (@PeoplesPerson_) March 15, 2015
The way that Mata kept his head down and worked hard while out of the first-team is a testament to his character.
He had to come off against Spurs due a slight knock on 75 minutes and fans at Old Trafford gave the 26-year-old a standing ovation as he left the pitch. Mata’s performance has given Louis van Gaal a headache when it comes to picking the team against Liverpool on Sunday, as the Dutchman may prefer the pace of the returning Di Maria on the break.