Juan Mata:The forgotten man in world football... As far as attacking, creative central midfield player’s go, Juan Mata should be ranked by many as amongst the best in the world. For Chelsea he was the prize possession at one- time, as his intense, expressive play opened up defence after defence, and scored goal after goal. However, in recent years the profile of Juan Mata seems to have dipped dramatically, with no particular reason why that should be the case. The player is clearly still a sought-after name, as proved by Manchester United in the transfer window last January. Six Months ago, Mata cost the then-reigning champions £37.1 million to purchase him from Chelsea, as he became one of the most expensive players in Premier League history. The Red Devils do not exactly boast a glittering record within the transfer market in recent years, but it is widely regarded that their capture of Mata was a shrewd one. The man had won the Player’s Player of the Year award for the previous two seasons at Stamford Bridge, and following the 2012/13 campaign, he also picked up the Fan’s Player of the Year. It was hardly the case of his being a big fish in a small pond at the Blues… He was simply the most talented of a supremely exciting bunch of footballers. That’s why it was such a shock that, upon Jose Mourinho’s arrival at the club, Mata’s position dwindled, and his first-team football evaporated. There was just something about the Spaniard that the Special One didn’t like, and, having watched the beginning of the end for Man United until Christmas, the Portuguese tactician was more than happy to cash in on his apparently star player. The transfer was, in the opinion of this writer, a surprising one – and with the benefit of hindsight, it was probably foolish. Chelsea were the best in the league in terms of their defensive record, but going forward they looked lacking in ideas. If there is one man who could’ve provided a spark (apart from Eden Hazard), then it would’ve been Mata. If Mourinho had have kept hold of the playmaker until at least the close of last season, then he will probably have found out what all the fuss surrounding Mata was about. But it was not to be, and the Spaniard was instead given the almost impossible task of driving United further up the table. Of course, the positive impact that he did have failed to improve the team too greatly, as Mata found himself ending the season as one part of a mid-table side. A rapid decline, his position could be under threat once again, as Louis Van Gaal looks to revolutionise United in the summer. The Old Trafford side have been linked with all manner of world-class midfielders, but the Dutchman should probably remember that he already has one of Europe’s most talented within his ranks. Mata might not be a new signing, but he could be as good as a new arrival, if he is incorporated into the Van Gaal vision, and given a clear, specific role. Last year, his position was not entirely certain, and his floating around within an otherwise ineffective side was earning no headline performances. If he is given an opportunity by Van Gaal, then he will surely be capable of repaying him. That is probably all Juan Mata needs right now – an opportunity; a chance to remind people that he is one of the best. The Spanish national team may have recently reached the end of an era following their World Cup exit, but it was an era that Mata never really got to influence too heavily. Andreas Iniesta, Xavi, Xabi Alonso, David Silva, and his replacement at Chelsea, Cesc Fabregas, have all been preferred ahead of him by Vicente del Bosque. It was those players who largely revelled in success, and it is those players who are now left to lick their wounds. For Juan Mata, a renaissance could be just around the corner. Should he become a major player in the Van Gaal era, then his second coming will frighten Chelsea, and the entire Premier League.
Posted on: Sat, 21 Jun 2014 12:14:45 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015