Real Madrid: The superstar 11 they should have never sold

Juan Mata (Central Midfielder)

Manchester United star Juan Mata is one of the most successful Real Madrid academy graduates of all time. Winner of a World Cup, Euro Championships, Champions League, Copa del Rey, Europa League and 2 FA Cups, Juan Mata was deemed not good enough for the Real Madrid first team squad in 2006.

After playing the 2006-07 season for Real Madrid Castilla, Mata joined Valencia in 2008 where he made a name for himself as one of the game’s premier playmakers. After 4 extremely successful years with the Los Che, where he formed a deadly partnership with David Villa, Mata soon secured a big money move to Chelsea.

One of Chelsea’s most loved players, Mata arguably played some of his finest football and was voted the club’s best player on 2 successive occasions. However, the arrival of Jose Mourinho saw his opportunities reduce and he soon made a move to Manchester United where he is ironically once again playing under the Portuguese manager. Still only 29, Mata is definitely one of the most gifted and talented Real Madrid academy graduates to emerge in the last 15 years.