Juan Mata, the former Manchester United midfielder, made quite an impression in his debut for Australian team Western Sydney Wanderers. The 36-year-old player joined the A-League side after his contract with Vissel Kobe ended earlier this year. Mata, who has a World Cup title under his belt and has played over 250 games for Manchester United, finally got his chance to play for his new team in the early hours of Saturday.
Initially named as a substitute, Mata was brought into the game with 28 minutes remaining after his team scored an equalizer in the Sydney derby. Before coming on, Mata was seen celebrating his team’s goal with great enthusiasm, showing his passion for the game. Once he entered the field, Mata showcased his skills by completing 85% of his passes, creating two chances, and making four key passes into the final third.
Despite Mata’s efforts, Western Sydney Wanderers ended up losing their opening game of the season to Sydney FC, with Patryk Klimala scoring the winning goal. Since leaving Manchester United in 2022, Mata has played for clubs in Europe, Asia, and now Australia. In a statement earlier this year, Mata expressed his excitement about joining Western Sydney Wanderers and his eagerness to compete in a new league.
The veteran midfielder’s determination and talent were evident in his performance on the field, proving that age is just a number when it comes to playing the sport he loves. Mata’s presence in the A-League adds experience and skill to Western Sydney Wanderers, and fans can expect more impressive displays from the Spanish star in the upcoming matches.
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