Juan Mata: Excelling in his new role

Due to the signings of Eden Hazard, Victor Moses and Oscar during the transfer window, many questioned Juan Mata’s role at Chelsea. However in recent games, Mata has been showing exactly why he deserves to be one of the first names on the Chelsea team sheet each week. Mata, who joined Chelsea from Valencia in the 2011 transfer window had a superb first season for Chelsea and was an integral part of the side who became London’s first European champions. He was predominantly played down the left flank in a front three consisting of himself, Daniel Sturridge and either Fernando Torres or Didier Drogba in the middle. Being in this position proved to be a great thing for Mata as his creativity and consistency earned him the award of Fans’ Player of the Season. However seeing as strikers Salomon Kalou, Didier Drogba and Romelu Lukaku (on loan) all left Chelsea this summer, Mata knew he would probably have to adapt to a new formation. Also, with the arrivals of attacking midfielder Oscar ...