I think Mata has been a crucial player for FC this year. Just watched a F DV reel.
A lot of Rogerson sure. But at least twice Mata gets the equivalent of an assist. One, Rogerson gets an unmarked header as the two defenders are so worried about Mata.
Second, Rogerson gets a free header half a metre from goal because Mata legally blocks the keeper and CD out in front.
He was a home grown player offering something different and his injection allowed May space and team to get his deadly radar on target. They scored a bunch more first half goals when Mata started.
Who could replace him as a 9 doing that particular job? Not Rogerson or Randall. Or May. But all 3 and de Vries benefited from his role imo.
Maybe they want a few more goals from him. I think training and confidence are more likely to get that than a new player entirely.
A lot of Rogerson sure. But at least twice Mata gets the equivalent of an assist. One, Rogerson gets an unmarked header as the two defenders are so worried about Mata.
Second, Rogerson gets a free header half a metre from goal because Mata legally blocks the keeper and CD out in front.
He was a home grown player offering something different and his injection allowed May space and team to get his deadly radar on target. They scored a bunch more first half goals when Mata started.
Who could replace him as a 9 doing that particular job? Not Rogerson or Randall. Or May. But all 3 and de Vries benefited from his role imo.
Maybe they want a few more goals from him. I think training and confidence are more likely to get that than a new player entirely.