So you dont think he has been underperforming, especially this season? Through injuries he has had a couple of chances from LVG, but he hasnt taken them yet has he? He wont get chances endless I think, especially with players coming back (Falcao, Herrera)
8
Season Average Rating
- Appearances
- 35
- Goals
- 10
- Assists
- 4
- Yellow cards
- 2
- Status
Anyone else feel Mata is more at ease playing off Hererra rather than Fellaini or carrick.
I wish he'd play more of those little balls over the top, like for the goal. He's constantly looking for it, then playing the easy pass instead of pulling the trigger.
I know the success rate of those passes probably isn't all that high, but in a game like this where we have so much possession I'd like to see him try some more risky passes, he's got the talent.
I know the success rate of those passes probably isn't all that high, but in a game like this where we have so much possession I'd like to see him try some more risky passes, he's got the talent.
We're 12 games into the season and he's played in 10 and scored 3.
I repeat. Chill the feck out man.
Yep. Ander and Juan offer a lot of intelligent movement in space and feed odd each other. The other two are a bit less mobile in comparison.
He's quite good today, but there are acres of space and I do expect him to do more in those circumstances.
His best performance of the season, looks motivated to run harder than in some of our previous games.
Yep, their working wavelength seems to be perfect at times, given their close experience with Spanish U-level teams. Ander and Juan offer a lot of intelligent movement and passing in space to feed off each other. The other two are a bit less mobile in comparison.
Yes, but given they've been playing with each other since they were kids in the Spanish youth set up that's understandable. Carrick is more direct, Fellaini more muscular, Mata's 'cute' touches suit Herrera's way of playing the game but they grew up playing tiki taka so that's no shock.
Different kind of role for him today. He's playing as a wide playmaker, but one thing I'm impressed with is his work rate, usually that's the part of his game that's lacking but his worked extremely hard today.
And assisted? And created? Main reason why we got him. If he doesnt step up to his normal level, I doubt LVG will be waiting for him to get there. We got Rooney for his position, and Herrera who could be playing there too, if he doesnt grab his chance, I wouldnt be surprised if LVG moves him on.
There was a stat early in the season that showed Mata had been involved in half of all our goals since he signed. His stats/productivity are amazingly good, regardless of what armchair managers think of his influence. Just going by goals alone he's got 9 in 21 games for us, so forgive me if I don't think a few quiet games early in a season is proof our manager wants rid of him. If Caf logic is anything to go by, we're selling half our squad every week.
Sack Van Gaal. Sell Mata
Sack Van Gaal. Sell Mata
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Mata needs to have a good look at Herrera. Needs to be quicker and more incisive with his passing.
I feel mata is one of the best when it comes to picking out a pass or playing a through ball.It is just that we don't play in a style that allows more of that.
Trying to set up Falcao rather then score himself. I really liked that, very unselfish.
Well done and good link between midfield and attack. Not amazing today but justified his starting place
Good game. Thought he could have been more riskier with his passing but good nonetheless.
If he wasn't amazing he was close too it... was an excellent performance.
Good game, especially in the first half. He probably played better today than in the games he has scored or assisted.
I thought was very very good. Looked more mobile than usual, was stronger on the ball and linked very well in the middle with Carrick and Herrera.
Should have been more selfish and taken a shot instead of passing to Falcao.
Should have been more selfish and taken a shot instead of passing to Falcao.
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Compared to his very best form, there is still room for improvement but yes, he did really well and should have got an assist
Way too good to be sitting on the bench.
Good positive performance. Shame he didn't get that assist or a goal but it was a good display.
Was great this game and linked up well.
Thought he was class today, could have had a few assists if people took their chances. This is a lot more like it, today and his last game, compared to the start of the season when he just went missing in games.
Hardly put a foot wrong today and was involved in a lot of what we did good as in an attacking sense. He still needs to step it up against the better opposition though.
I didn't understand his position today. Was it a 4-1-4-1 with him one of the rotating 4?
When we play at home against teams who will try to defend only I think he should be one of the first names on the pitch
And to think there were people posting in the game thread that they hadn't even noticed him until he gave away a foul in the second half. I honestly think comments like "Is so-and-so even playing?" and "I haven't even noticed so-and-so," are more an indictment of the poster than the player. Try actually watching the game rather than obsessively posting on the Caf!
Great performance from him today. Him and Herrera create so much space in attack it's just brilliant to watch. At least one of them needs to play almost every week. They are both too good too be sat on the bench.
Should've got one at the end there, great play to set Falcao up.
I thought today was one of his best performances for us, he looked stronger and a bit quicker in general play and more definite in the final 3rd.
Good to hear that he's had a good game today. Will have to watch the game when I can
I wonder how much ground he covered. Seemed to run like crazy all game
He's a different class when we have possession. Once we start keeping possession this way throughout the season, he'll play even more.
Good game, although his final pass at times was a little overhit. Lovely cut back for Falcao at the end, shame Falcao couldn't finish it.
Very good. This was more of the Mata of Chelsea in getting the ball often and looking to dictate and create.
I think he performed very well and at times it looked like a midfield trio of sorts with Carrick just in front of the defense, Mata being the main passing outlet of the team occasionally driving forward and Herrera being the more adventurous one linking midfield and attack. Fellaini did a good job providing some bite in duels and held up the ball, retaining possesion extremely well.
Tbf Hull were woeful and didn't apply too much pressure and let us play our game. Anyway if LVG wants to move towards a possession based philosophy, there is none better than Mata in our team bar Herrera who can be sloppy with his passing at times.
Was it just me or did Mata look faster, more direct and less tentative on the ball? Something to build on for the next game and hopefully he isn't dropped.
Tbf Hull were woeful and didn't apply too much pressure and let us play our game. Anyway if LVG wants to move towards a possession based philosophy, there is none better than Mata in our team bar Herrera who can be sloppy with his passing at times.
Was it just me or did Mata look faster, more direct and less tentative on the ball? Something to build on for the next game and hopefully he isn't dropped.
Helps when our team has more than 70% possession in their half!
He's a big reason why we had that possession though.
- Status