Best quotes on Juan Mata

As one of the best attacking midfielders seen in the Premier League, Juan Manuel Mata Garcia is a proven winner with honours in the World Cup, European Championship, and the Champions League. Currently with English side Manchester United, we take a look at some of the best quotes on Juan Mata.

A product of the Real Madrid youth academy, Mata has excelled at the clubs of Valencia, Chelsea, and Manchester United, with a host of titles.

His first season at Stamford Bridge brought him the Champions League and an FA Cup success, before a move to Old Trafford for £37 million saw three major trophies picked up soon after.

Having helped Spain win the European Under-19 Championship as the second top goal scorer, he participated in the 2010 World Cup, the 2011 European Under-21 Championship, and the 2012 European Championship ; all of which was won by the nation. He was the Golden Player (best player) at the U-21 tournament, and was one of the goal scorers in the final in Euro 2012.

Mata followed in his father’s footsteps, who was also a professional footballer, and soon made a name for himself at Chelsea with his distribution of passes, assists, chances created, and the number of successful crosses. Twice named the club’s Player of the Year, he secured a move to Manchester United in early 2014, where he has been for nine seasons so far.

Seen as a midfield player with attacking instincts, Mata has also been noted for his playmaking role, his wing play, and also the option to be used as a second striker.

“He’s a good player, a very good player…..he’s an interesting player…..His curriculum speaks for itself. He’s a player who scores and assists and he can add to any squad in the world.”
Andre Villa-Boas (Chelsea manager)

“…..a player with real acceleration who can put defenders on the back foot…..He is creative and has two good feet, although he is predominantly left-footed. Mata is quite a modest and down-to-earth guy.”
Andy Brassell (European football expert)

“He’s been phenomenal. It’s not just his goalscoring, it’s his assists as well. He’s fantastic, he brings so much to the team. He’s a magician, he has a great first touch and fantastic vision.”
John Terry (Chelsea team captain)

“…..his clever assists, clever passes and fantastic actions because he has great talent.”
Jose Mourinho (Chelsea manager)

“He played fantastic. He’s such a professional and everyone in the team knows his quality. He’s been so patient waiting for his chance…..it’s about taking your chances when you do. Juan has definitely done so.”
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Manchester United manager after 4-1 win versus Newcastle United)

“Juan is one of the finest playmakers in the game today…..He’s been instrumental in Chelsea’s recent success…..I have been impressed with the excitement he has shown…..I know our fans have admired Juan for some time now.”
David Moyes (Manchester United manager)

“There is nothing to say about it, sometimes you just need to have a look at it and applaud…..It is just ridiculous what he did, especially here at Anfield…..the quality that he has but what a day for him.”
Thierry Henry (after stunning volley versus Liverpool for Manchester United)

“…..he was very good…..He’s always played well for me in my opinion. He’s one of my most consistent players.”
Louis van Gaal (Manchester United manager)

“Juan is the ultimate professional and one of the most intelligent players I have worked with…..As well as everything he brings on the pitch…..”
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Manchester United manager)

“Mata has adapted to the football I want to play. I knew since the beginning he would be an important player.”
Jose Mourinho (Manchester United manager)

“…..he is a very talented player and he will show it…..it was a good move for him to go to United.”
David Silva (Manchester City player)

“Some of Juan’s touches were fantastic…..He pulled one out of the sky in the first half that was sublime…..[Behind the forward] is Juan’s natural position, he likes playing in there.”
Darren Fletcher (Manchester United team-mate)

“Juan is the ultimate professional and one of the most intelligent players I have worked with. He is a great example to our younger players in his approach…..”
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Manchester United manager)

“We’re looking at one of the most underrated players in the Premier League…..he was player of the year for the first two years at Chelsea…..I think it’s about time now in this Premier League that we start looking at Juan Mata, in these group of players as one of the best in the Premier League…..It’s not a flash in the pan, he’s been here for five or six years, he should get more credit.”
Jamie Carragher (former Liverpool player)