(Manchester United News)
Juan Mata enjoys a near telepathic link-up with Manchester United team-mate Ander Herrera, which is down to the fact they "understand football and life in more or less the same way."
The duo have been in inspired form of late, each turning out to be two-goal heroes in the Reds' last two games. Stats show that United have only lost one of the eight games the pair have started together this season and the Spaniards have netted five goals in the last four games in which they've been in the first XI.
Mata famously hit a brace in the 2-1 win at Liverpool last month, with his first being expertly set up by his fellow midfielder. Juan then returned the favour for Herrera against Aston Villa last weekend when he laid on a pass in injury-time for Ander to steer home his second of the game in a 3-1 victory.
As well as training alongside each other every day, the two midfielders spent many years playing together at youth level for the Spanish national team and Mata cites their close friendship off the pitch as another important factor in their understanding on it.
"I think it’s because of the relationship we’ve had over the years and because we understand football and life in more or less the same way," he told ManUtd.com and MUTV.
"I think we play well together because we understand each other and sometimes without speaking or looking we know where we're going to pass or where we're going to move on the pitch.
"The first goal at Anfield is a good example of that - he controlled the ball, turned and knew where I was already running to and he put the ball there. Ander is a quality player and I’m very happy he’s here and playing and performing well."
