Valencia’s highly skilled left winger Juan Mata started his career at Real Madrid but moved to his present club after failing to make a first team start for the famous Madrid side. The talented 22 year old has now scored 25 goals in 87 appearances for Valencia including a goal in their win over Getafe in the final of the 2008 Copa del Rey.
Mata (photo source 20 minutes) was included in Spain’s victorious South Africa World Cup 2010 squad, making one 20 minute appearance as a substitute against Honduras. Valencia’s wonder winger did however score three goals in four qualifying matches leading up to the finals.
The reason I am writing about Mata is quite simple. His amazing ball skills were caught on camera during one of Spain’s training sessions in South Africa. In one amazing movement Mata drags the ball back with his left foot, and with very quick footwork nutmegs Real Madrid centre back Raul Albiol. You’ve got to see it to believe it. The video is only 22 seconds long but the memory of it will last forever. It’s brilliant.
