- Juan Mata used sparingly by Wanderers this season
- Bizarrely offered one-year extension by A-League club
- Newcomers Auckland FC poised to win Premier’s Plate
Western Sydney Wanderers have offered Juan Mata a one-year contract extension – despite the decorated midfielder warming the bench for large parts of the A-League season.
Mata, 36, is believed to be keen to extend his career, either on Australian shores or elsewhere in Asia or Europe.
If he does stay in the A-League, whether the veteran again turns out in red and black remains to be seen.
The former Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder, who won a FIFA World Cup with Spain in 2010, arrived in Sydney with much fanfare last September.
It was widely anticipated Mata would play a key role for the Wanderers this season, but his influence has been limited.
Under coach Alen Stajcic, Mata has started just seven matches and made 13 appearances off the bench.
Western Sydney Wanderers have offered Juan Mata a one-year contract extension – despite the decorated midfielder warming the bench for large parts of the A-League season
Under coach Alen Stajcic, (pictured) Mata has started in just seven matches and made 13 appearances off the bench
For the Wanderers’ past two matches – a 2-0 win over Western United and a 2-2 draw with Melbourne City – Mata was an unused substitute.
Which is why the Wanderers wanting him to stay for another season will be puzzling for many fans.
It comes as in-form teammate Nicolas Milanovic is preparing for a move abroad after the A-League finals series.
Attacking weapon Milanovic – who has scored 14 goals in all competitions for Western Sydney this season – is poised to be sold by the Wanderers for a lucrative transfer fee.
Until then, Milanovic is set to play a key role in Western Sydney’s push for the A-League title.
Unbeaten in their past 10 games, the Wanderers can cement a top-six berth with a win over the Newcastle Jets at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday.
The race for the final spot in the top six is intensifying, with Adelaide and Sydney FC both on 37 points – but the Reds have played one more game.
In their inaugural season, Auckland FC are likely to win the Premier’s Plate, having tasted defeat just twice in 24 games.
A win against cellar dwellers Perth on Sunday will secure the silverware for Steve Corica’s men.
It seems a formality, with Auckland currently riding a 13-game unbeaten streak.
