Manchester United

Juan Mata: 'Attacking midfield my best position'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 11 October 2017

Juan Mata admits that he prefers playing in an attacking midfield position, having been used on the right in all seven league outings this term.

Versatile Manchester United ace Juan Mata has told boss Jose Mourinho that he is most comfortable when being used in an attacking midfield role.

The Spain international has spent time playing through the middle and out on the right since joining the Red Devils from league rivals Chelsea in January 2014, making more than 150 appearances during that time.

All seven of the 29-year-old's Premier League outings this term have come in wide areas of the field, however, as Mourinho attempts to shoehorn in as many of his attacking talents as possible.

Speaking to the club's official website, Mata admitted that he is more than happy to continue playing in his current position after helping United to an unbeaten start in 2017-18.

"Let's say offensive midfielder [is my preferred role]," he said. "But, obviously, I am playing more now on the right wing, when I try to come inside and create space for my teammates.

"It's this kind of freedom that allows me to be in touch with the ball, that's where I feel comfortable. I consider myself as this kind of attacking midfielder, trying to find the gaps between the opposition midfielders and defenders and produce what the team needs between the lines.

"The most important and the better feeling in football, for me, is scoring a goal. Obviously, when you've made a great assist, it is a great feeling, but obviously the best feeling is to score yourself."

Mata has one goal and no assists from his first nine games of the season, netting that solitary strike against Crystal Palace just before the international break.