Despite his lack of game time, Spanish star Juan Mata continues to set the right example at Western Sydney Wanderers

Wanderers skipper Lawrence Thomas has warned not to under-estimate the role that former Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata could play for Western Sydney in the A-League finals series despite his lack of minutes this season.

Western Sydney captain Lawrence Thomas has praised the attitude of former Manchester United and Chelsea star Juan Mata, saying the veteran Spanish midfielder has set a perfect example with his professionalism despite his lack of football this season.

Mata arrived in Sydney in the pre-season with plenty of hype and seemingly set to play a crucial on-field role for the Wanderers in their push for the A-League championship.

However, while Western Sydney’s title hopes are strong heading into Saturday’s elimination final against Melbourne Victory at CommBank Stadium, 37-year-old Mata hasn’t had the expected influence.

The 2010 World Cup winner has only started in seven games this season, and has played a measly total of 82 minutes in Western Sydney’s past eight matches.

However, Mata hasn’t complained and has remained committed to the Wanderers’ cause.

Juan Mata (left) chats with referee Alex King during a Wanderers game this season against Adelaide United. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

“He’s been absolutely incredible,” Western Sydney’s skipper and goalkeeper Thomas said of Mata.

“I chatted to him the other week to say thank you because he could easily have thrown the toys out of the cot.

“He’s achieved everything that every young footballer wants to do in their entire life, but his character in terms of how humble, how kind he is to everyone ... he’s so down to earth. He really doesn’t mention football outside of training.

“He’s an incredible person, and if he can be disappointed but take it on the chin and keep turning up here, and be an incredible part of the team, there’s no excuse for anyone to shirk responsibility or try to stir the boat.”

Thomas said Mata still had a crucial role to play for the Wanderers in the finals series as someone that could do “absolutely anything”.

“He can control a game, he can create goals, he can slow the pace down, pick it up ... so in whatever role he impacts the game, he’ll be brilliant,” the experienced gloveman said.

Lawrence Thomas has enjoyed the responsibility associated with being captain of the Wanderers. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

Humility and setting the right example are traits Thomas – who has thrived in his first season as club captain – shares with Mata.

“When you have that responsibility, it’s one thing to talk about it, but you need to set examples every day. It’s really helped my game,” the 33-year-old custodian said of the captaincy.

Thomas said there was “something different in the air” heading into Saturday night’s do-or-die affair.

“Everyone around the club and the community can feel (it),” he said.

“The community can see from the players by their actions on the pitch what the game means to them and that we take our responsibility quite seriously for the people we represent. It feels like we’re all in this together.

“We just love to get out there, fight for each other and celebrate with our fans after. Hopefully we can do that on Saturday night.”