Mata reveals the key behind his phenomenal free-kicks
By Reyhan Nath
Juan Mata has revealed that he dedicates a lot of his time to refining his free-kick technique after training.
Manchester United’s magical midfielder has been in superb form this season. Arguably the best free-kick taker at the club, Mata had already scored a crucial equalizing goal from a set piece against Newcastle that inspired an incredible comeback, and he was at it again on Wednesday night.
Coming off the bench with his side 1-0 down and desperately fighting for a point, a moment was magic was required and once again, the Spaniard stepped up for the Juan moment that did Mata most.
More from Manchester United
- Four forwards Manchester United might like to replace Cristiano Ronaldo
- Cristiano Ronaldo hits out at Manchester United
- Aston Villa vs. Man United: How Erik ten Hag can replace Bruno Fernandes
- Real Sociedad 0-1 Manchester United: Three talking points
- A few pointers to the Cristiano Ronaldo issue at Manchester United
With only five minutes left to play, Juventus conceded a free-kick on the edge of their box after bringing down Paul Pogba, and both Ashley Young and Mata stood over it with intent. It was the former Chelsea star who made it clear that he wanted it though, and boy did he prove why.
With one of the most beautifully precise finishes you’ll ever see, Mata wrapped his wand of a left foot around the ball and curled it around the wall, giving Juventus’s keeper Wojciech Szczęsny absolutely no chance of stopping it.
You could see how hard he has worked on his set pieces in training from his celebration, running over to the club’s goalkeeping coach Emilio Alvarez Blanco and jumping into his arms. Speaking to BT Sport after the match, Mata said:
"‘I have confidence in the free-kicks at the moment. I train a lot after training.‘I like to stay with some balls and goalkeepers. It was important at 1-1 and maybe in future there will be substitutes in football where you can go, take the free-kick and come off!’‘It was a very very good night for us to win here today, get the three points against Juventus in Italy. It’s amazing. It was a very difficult game."
The moment was testament to United’s resolve of late. Currently being dubbed ‘Second Half FC’ on twitter, it has been an incredible turnaround to their season after a woeful start that saw them lose to Brighton and West Ham in embarrassing fashion.
Next. De Gea insists he is ‘not focused’ on his contract situation. dark
The club now face another big test on Sunday, as they face Manchester City in the derby. The win over Juventus made them the first English team to beat the Turin club at home in the current century, and it will undoubtedly be a massive confidence boost ahead of their trip to the Etihad stadium.