Relishing regular football as he lights up the A-League Men, Spanish superstar Juan Mata says he never doubted his ability to contribute to Melbourne Victory's resurgence as a showdown with his former side Western Sydney looms.
After Louis D'Arrigo cancelled out Trent Ostler's opener, the 37-year-old World Cup winner was magnificent as he helped orchestrate Victory's come-from-behind 3-2 win on Friday, pulling the strings in the midfield as well as providing the assists for goals from Nishan Velupillay, thanks to a pinpoint corner, and Santos.
Though now leading the league in assists and chances created, Mata had arrived in Melbourne facing questions after being used sporadically by Wanderers coach Alen Stajcic in his first year in Australia, which followed seasons in Japan and Turkey during which he had also been used sparingly.
But as his rise has coincided with Victory recording four straight wins for the first time since 2018 and moving to within three points of league leaders Auckland, Mata isn't surprised at his form.
"Today, I was pissed that I couldn't score! Hopefully I can score soon!" he laughed.
"No, I know the way I can play, the way I can still affect games and enjoy my games.
"I always believed in myself. My passion, my desire for the game, remains intact.
"I know if I'm physically well -- and, thankfully, I don't have any injuries -- I can still enjoy my football and I can try to affect games like I'm doing."
With his 77 minutes against Glory, Mata made it 688 across his 11 appearances for Victory. That's 74 more minutes than his total across 23 games with Western Sydney, in addition to one more start.
With over half of the season remaining, you have to go back to his 2020-21 Premier League season with Manchester United to find a campaign in which he logged more minutes than he already has in 2025-26.
"I'm playing more consistently, and I always say that the more I play, the better I feel," Mata said.
"I'm enjoying my football since I haven't enjoyed it for some time. That's the reality."
Victory will welcome Western Sydney to AAMI Park next Saturday, with pressure bearing down on Stajcic as the Wanderers, winless in their last five games, sit second-bottom of the league.
But while it's a reunion that will dominate narratives, Mata was quick to downplay the game against his former side as a grudge match or notions that he had anything to prove.
"I have a lot of friends in the Wanderers, and I have so much respect for the club," he said.
"It will be nice to get the fifth win, because that will help us climb the table.
"After that, I wish the Wanderers well – but not next weekend!"
