Manchester United playmaker Juan Mata remains hopeful that his international career can be revived, with the Spaniard not having featured for his country since their World Cup victory over Australia last summer.
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The last time that the playmaker wore the shirt of Spain was in their final group game with Australia in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, with his lack of regular playing time at Old Trafford largely to blame for his absence.
Mata scored two, including a stunning overhead volley in the huge Premier League clash with Liverpool before the international break, and the Spaniard will be hoping that his outstanding performance at Anfield will have shown boss Louis van Gaal just what’s been missing.
Despite his nine month absence from the national team, he remains confident that he can force his way back into the squad, writing on his blog, “As I always say, I have been very lucky to play and to win a World Cup and a Eurocup, to participate in the most important competitions, but I’m still excited as the first day.
“I am convinced that I’m in a perfect age in my football career and I look forward to keep contributing and achieving more success with my national team.”