Next Wave: The Whizz Kid

Juan Mata is a phenomenon.

Mata’s footballing brain is quick. He makes split-second decisions on when to dribble, pass or shoot and he makes the right call time after time.

He backs up big on-pitch decisions with the ability to execute them at high speed.

He disorientates defenders with rapid swerving runs with the ball under complete control. He cuts in and out, twisting and turning away from trouble and his final ball is always bang on.

Mata has the pace and movement to trouble any defence in the world and he’s smart enough to use it when it can hurt opponents most. He can unlock defences with intelligent passes, darting dribbles or searing strikes from distance. However he chooses to attack, he’ll be quick and ruthless and he’ll get results.

Meet Your Match: Mata and the Mercurial