Player of the Season nominees: Juan Mata

With the season having ended, Sportskeeda decided to let its viewers rate the 30 best players of the season.

We will be shortlisting 30 of the best performers this term, and let you pick your winner.

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Juan Mata moved to Chelsea in the summer of 2011. It saw him bring laurels to his club as well as achieve plenty in English football. The season 2012-13 ended on a personal high for the Spaniard. He made sure Chelsea earned a Champions League berth. He also added another trophy to his cabinet, winning Chelsea’s Player of the Season award for a second consecutive year.

Impact:

The impact Mata has made on Chelsea’s midfield is huge. He can be deployed as an attacking midfielder and also on the wings. His partnership with Eden Hazard and Oscar this season is also one of the reasons for Chelsea’s success. Mata would arguably be picked first to play regularly in the midfield role, with plenty of chances to cut infield and also feed the ball to their forwards.

Mata has netted for the Blues when they have needed it the most. With their strikers struggling to find their form, it was up to their attacking midfielders to bail out Chelsea, and Mata has played that role to perfection.

Season Overview:

Mata has scored 19 goals for the Blues while also grabbing an impressive 27 assists this season. His passing has been very impressive and accurate. He has been one of the best passers in the Premier League going by his stats, with 86% accuracy to show for his efforts.

He started the season appearing in the Community shield match against City, which Chelsea lost 3-2. Mata scored his first Premier League goal of the season against Arsenal in a 2-1 win. He also assisted Fernando Torres for the opening goal. In the first half of the season, Chelsea were running riot and Mata was involved in a majority of the goals. His partnership with Eden Hazard and the ease with which he picked out a team mate ensured that Chelsea were winning games.

In the London derby away to Spurs, Mata scored a brace and also set up an assist for Daniel Sturidge, ensuring a 4-2 victory for the Blues. He won the man of the match honours for his brilliant performance. He was also brilliant against the Red devils at Stamford Bridge, bringing Chelsea back into the game after being 2-0 down. The match was ridden by controversy and Chelsea lost the match 2-3 after a last minute header by Chicharito. But Mata was the man for the Blues. He capped off his performance by winning the Player of the Month award for October.

He was also brilliant in the FIFA Club World Club. He scored in the semifinals for the Blues, propelling them in their route to the finals. But the campaign ended in disappointment for them as they lost in the finals.

Mata added to his tally of goals against Sunderland. He continued his form by scoring the winner at Carrow road against Norwich, taking a pass from Oscar into his stride and launching an unstoppable shot into the goal from 25 yards out.

Mata again scored when Chelsea took on their London rivals Arsenal at the Bridge in a 2-1 win.

It was a memorable moment for the Spaniard and the fans when he scored the winner against Manchester United, netting the ball in the 87th minute. The win was essential for Chelsea’s Champions League qualification and El Matador ensured the Blues were going to challenge for the Holy Grail of football next season.

Mata also assisted in Ivanovic’s winner in the finals of the Europa League against Benfica. This win enabled Chelsea to lift their first piece of silverware in the 2012-13 season.

Style of play:

His ability to dominate the game, clever movement of the ball, good vision and efficiency in picking a pass are his key traits. The combination of Eden Hazard and Juan Mata in Chelsea’s midfield could prove to be the reason for their success in the seasons to come.

The future:

Mata’s brilliant performance saw him get nominated for the PFA Players’ Player of the year alongside teammate Eden Hazard. The PFA’s decision was based on his “ability to not only create goals but also score them himself”.

The only missing piece in Chelsea’s jigsaw is a proper striker. With a poacher in their ranks, Chelsea could easily become the team to beat this season. Combined with Jose’s tactics and Mata’s brilliance, this year could be the one the Blues are waiting for.

Click here to view the rest of the Player of the Season nominees.