Manchester United’s all time record £37.1 million signing Juan Mata did not make Vicente Del Bosque’s latest Spain national team squad, as they prepare for their upcoming international friendly against Italy. Although this is an exhibition match, Spain versus Italy is always a huge deal .
So what does this say about 2014 World Cup chances for Juan Mata?
Will he be making the trip to Brazil? Del Bosque will name his squad for the international tournament in May.
Juan Mata was included in the squad for Spain’s November friendlies against Guinea and South Africa. Since he came over from Premier League rival Chelsea, things have been tough for United since me made the move from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford. Actually, it’s been rough all season for the Red Devils, but nothing has gotten any better since Juan Mata arrived. Which is alarming. Perhaps next year is when David Moyes can really make his stamp on this team, after taking over Sir Alex Ferguson.
Perhaps Juan Mata will be the centerpiece of that turnaround?
Paul M. Banks owns The Sports Bank.net, an affiliate of Fox Sports. An MBA and Fulbright scholar, he’s also a frequent analyst on news talk radio; with regular segments on ESPN,NBC, CBS and Fox. A former NBC Chicago and Washington Times writer, he’s also been featured on the History Channel. President Obama follows him on Twitter (@paulmbanks)