Manchester United forward, Juan Mata has shared some words of wisdom to the talented young players at the club.
Tahith Chong, James Garner and Mason Greenwood have all made their EPL debuts under boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, while Angel Gomes has also played under the ex caretaker manager.
Juan Mata is of the opinion that the academy footballers will keep getting opportunities with the senior team if they keep developing.
His words, “Obviously, it’s up to Ole to decide that but what I can tell you is that there are some good players in there,”
“I like them very much. I like their work-rate and their attitude. They’re humble and they want to learn – that’s very important at that age.
“I think they have the quality to be football players. After that, it’s not only to arrive, it’s to maintain yourself in that high-level performance that you need to play for such a club.
“I wish them the best because they’re good kids, they train hard and they deserve the best.”
“I just will tell them they need to believe in themselves,“
“They have to keep believing in themselves and always be humble enough to improve, to want more, to have good ambition, to improve as a player and just enjoy the game.
“Sometimes it’s more difficult when you’re playing very important games and there’s a lot of responsibility around, but every football player should always remind himself or herself to think about when we were kids and we played for fun.”
“Not only when you’re 18 or 19 and you’re coming to training with the first team but obviously at that time it’s very important to remain with your head calm, with your feet on the ground knowing that if you’re training with the first team it’s because you’re doing some things very well.
“But you shouldn’t change. You should keep doing what brought you there.
“They need to remain humble and ambitious and respectful to their teammates and yes, then take advantage of the opportunities because at that age it is important to believe in yourself and not panic or try to get nervous when you play. You just have to do what you have been doing during your youth career.”
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