Juan Mata is experiencing a notable resurgence, which comes at a crucial time for Melbourne Victory. The veteran Spanish midfielder heads into the Melbourne derby on October 7, 2023, following a standout performance in last week’s 2-0 victory against Adelaide United. Victory coach Arthur Diles expressed his satisfaction with Mata’s progress, especially after a challenging season with Western Sydney.
Positive Momentum Ahead of Derby
Diles remarked on the challenges faced by foreign players in the A-League, noting that last season served as a learning experience for Mata. “The A-League is difficult for foreigners in general. Last year, you could look at it as a year for him to see what the level was like and understand the game,” Diles stated. He emphasized that Mata’s second season has equipped him with valuable insights about the league’s conditions, including weather and pitch quality.
According to Diles, Mata’s desire to continue playing has been evident from their first conversations. “We know that’s the style of player that we need in our football club to play the way we want to play,” he added. The coach believes Mata is just beginning to tap into his potential and expects continued improvement. “He’s just scraping the surface too. He’s just getting slowly better each week,” Diles noted.
Mata’s influence extends beyond the pitch; Diles praised his “contagious” positivity within the team. Attacker Nishan Velupillay is eager to develop a stronger connection with Mata on the field. “Last week just showed the class that he still possesses,” Velupillay commented. “And the more we can get the ball to him, the more he can create chances.”
Building Toward a Competitive Match
As Melbourne Victory prepares for the derby, Diles faces a “beautiful headache” with the return of Denis Genreau from suspension, after Mata, Lous D’Arrigo, and Jordi Valadon excelled in the midfield against Adelaide. Velupillay feels optimistic about the team’s trajectory and is ready for the challenge. “I always like playing in the big games. I feel I do pretty well in those big games,” he said. “So I’m excited for this one, and I think it’ll be a good occasion. And a good test for us.”
Despite their struggles, including not winning a derby since October 2024 and only two wins this season, Victory is determined to make an impact. City coach Aurelio Vidmar remains cautious, acknowledging the potential threat posed by Victory’s attacking lineup. “Obviously we’re up against a very good team, especially a very good attacking team,” he noted.
Vidmar highlighted the significance of Velupillay’s recent form, stating, “The inclusion of Nishan is an added bonus for them, because he’s a very creative player and gives them a lot of strength and different possibilities going forward.” He also recognized Mata’s resurgence and the recent scoring form of Nikos Vergos, who netted twice in the last match.
As both teams gear up for the derby, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter. With players like Mata and Velupillay in form, Melbourne Victory is poised to challenge their rivals and seek a much-needed victory.
