The father of Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata believes there's untapped talent inside Venezuelan football.

Juan Manuel Mata is the agent of Newcastle United's Venezuelan striker Salomon Rondon.

"Juan thinks that the Venezuelan players are of great quality and that they adapt and compete very well in the big leagues," Mata Sr's colleague, Anselm Cortado, told ChronicleLive.

"He has collaborators in Venezuela who do a great job in recruiting talented players. It is a country in which Juan has put a lot of interest. He cares about all his players and Salomon is no different since he is a player highly-valued at all levels by Juan.

"It is normal for Rafa Benítez to appreciate Juan - he is a very good person."