Juan Mata - Adapt to survive.

Juan Mata

Two time Chelsea player of the year Juan Mata’s future was under a lot of speculation in the recent transfer window. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Arsenal, PSG among the many who were linked to the Spanish wizard.

The whole thing started because of Mou’s well known preference for particular type of players in his team. It wasn’t the physical aspect because players like Sneijder, Deco and Robben are not the most well built players yet they managed to make a name for themselves under the special one. The main emphasis was laid on work rate and more importantly defensive work rate because Mourinho always preferred defensive stability and attack was mostly based on lethal counters or set piece plays.

Mata is a star player and on his day can pretty much down any defense in the world but isn’t really one of the faster players by any means. His game is more based on vision, quick touches and accurate passing rather than beating a player one on one but Jose wanted something more. He always wants something more ! Mata would qualify as an ideal No. 10 in pretty much any team in the world but not in Mourinho’s team for his No. 10 is not just a genius with the ball at his feet but also a decent player when he doesn’t have the ball. Mata lacked in this aspect of the game.

His extended break after the season and his involvement in the confederation cup didn’t help much as he did not get a chance to impress in the pre season. The season began and speculations galore as he was benched for Chelsea’s first game in the premier league. His first game in the league wasn’t a very good one for him failing to make any notable contribution. He did not play against Manchester United and was subbed in the 56th minute in the following game against Everton after a lacklustre performance. He was benched again against Fulham and serious questions were being raised about his role at CFC. “I want him to prove me wrong” was Mou’s words when asked about his future.

What followed is something what great players are made of. The ability to Seize an opportunity. It was just a league cup match against Swindon town for others but for Mata it was a chance to prove he has changed his game and prove he did with an amazing hardworking performance and an assist to show. Well it is just Swindon you might think but the following league Derby saw the Spanish wizard at his scintillating best. Pulling the strings from the midfield and also falling back to defend. His free kick led to Chelsea’s only goal and a point from White Hart Lane. After this his matches against Norwich and Cardiff have nothing much to show on paper but his work rate has definitely improved and is willing to dig it out for the team in defense.

After all the hustle all you can say is well played Jose Mourinho. Yes, he played his cards perfectly and now he not only has a technically astute attacker but also a player who will put his head down and do what his team wants him to do when they don’t have the ball and with mou refusing to change Oscar’s role and position, Mata has played in the right often this season. Something he didn’t do much under Rafa. Mou has turned him into a more complete player and Mata is slowly becoming a key player for Chelsea again.

Questions will be raised when a player of Mata’s class is benched when fully fit. But you must really look at Chelsea’s bench and will realise with Schurrle and KDB in the squad it is not possible to play all the games unless you hit top form. With the league so well poised and a long season ahead he will definitely get his chances and will prove himself. With the handling of Mata Mourinho has proved he is still the Special One and Chelsea are definitely are a force to be reckoned with this season.