On the latest episode of A-Leagues Download, hosts Archie Thompson, Thomas Sorensen and Jake Barker-Daish explained how Juan Mata’s assist for Santos in stoppage time of the Melbourne Derby showed his genius just as much as the viral goal where he lobbed Patrick Beach.
WATCH HERE:
“You see, with that delivery of the ball… [someone] that maybe doesn’t have the vision or the quality of him (Mata) would have tried to play that ball into the path of a running Santos,” Thompson said.
“But instead he’s played it around the the left side of him, so it cuts out that defender, making a block or intercepting it.
Sorensen agreed that the pass outlined Mata’s quality.
“He knows that he wants to get Santos in a one-on-one situation, so he doesn’t need to hit that inside ball,” Sorensen said.
READ MORE: Santos seals derby for Victory after double dose of Mata magic
“So he hits it outside, gives him the ball in a bit of space.
“And then he (Santos) does what he’s great at, he takes the man on and scores.”
Barker-Daish said the deliberateness of the pass informed its beauty.
“The spin on the ball that he put up veering into the path as well,” Jake said.
“You know he’s meant it with the level that he’s at.”
Make sure you subscribe to our YouTube channel so you never miss any episodes of Download or any highlights and massive moments from the A-Leagues!
The assist was Mata’s ninth of the season, complementing the three goals he’s scored himself.
The Spanish maestro’s 12 score involvements put him equal top of that metric competition wide, tied with Auckland winger Jesse Randall.
Mata also scored an immediately iconic goal in the same match, lobbing Melbourne City keeper Beach with a first time shot after latching on to a loose ball 45 yards from goal.
“That’s just pure class,” said Victory great Thompson.
“I mean we’re gonna maybe talk about where did this rate in terms of goals in the A-League.
“It’s definitely right up there, and in a derby match.”
READ MORE: Isuzu UTE Goal of the Week nominees, Round 18 Isuzu UTE A-League: Pick your winner TODAY!
Mata and his Melbourne Victory teammates are back in action this Friday night when they take on Adelaide United in the Original Rivalry clash at AAMI Park.
Buy your tickets for that match here.
