Michael Carrick has hailed fellow Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata following his match-winning performance against Liverpool on Sunday.
Mata has endured a rollercoaster time since joining United from Chelsea in January last year but the Spaniard reminded many of his undoubted abilities by scoring a stunning brace in the Red Devils' 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Anfield.
The Spanish playmaker has been widely hailed for his performance and now United midfielder Carrick has also showered the 27-year old with lavish praise.
"He has always been a great player. I think he has always been important to us because he brings so much to the team, and so much ability," said the Reds' vice-captain.
"You have seen it all there at Anfield, in terms of what he brings to us and I thought he was terrific. I thought his overall play was good and he obviously scored both goals. I thought the first one was a really good finish and the second one was sensational. He had a good day.
"He is just so clever. He moves the ball, takes up good positions, he is dangerous and he is just so intelligent. He has such a slight frame so he is not going to have a physical presence but he more than makes up for that with his general ability and how he plays the game. He is just a joy to watch."
