5 superstars omitted from their national teams for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JUNE 10: Mario Balotelli and Stephan El Shaarawy (L) during an Italy training session at Estadio Joao Havelange on June 10, 2013 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images) — Despite impressing with Nice, Balotelli remains out of the Italy National Team

#3 Juan Mata

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 15: Juan Mata of Spain in action during the international friendly match between England and Spain at Wembley Stadium on November 15, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) — Are Juan Mata’s days with Spain numbered?

Manchester United’s appointment of Jose Mourinho as the manager of the club evoked a range of emotions from the club’s fans. One particular emotion that ran through several fans was if it was the end of Juan Mata’s Manchester United career. With us getting into the business end of the season, it can be said that several of the aforementioned fans will be happy that the story has not gone as per the predicted plot.

Mata has established himself as a regular under Mourinho and continues to remain a critical player for the Red Devils. The Spaniard has scored 10 goals and assisted another four in 38 appearances for the club and is amongst the most creative players at the Old Trafford.

However, his performances do not seem to have impressed the current Spain boss Julen Lopetegui. The 28-year-old has failed to make the cut for Spain’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Israel and France.

At 28 years of age, he still has a few more years left in him. However, he could become a victim of the manager’s decision to bring in fresh blood.

Edited by Staff Editor