Juan Mata - A Legend

One of the Best.

I know that this might seem a bit far-fetched, considering that it is only his first season at Chelsea…but based on what I have seen so far, he has made an impact on the London club like no one else has (except Gianfranco Zola possibly?). The unique aspect of creativity that he injects into the “old guard” of Chelsea has worked wonders for the club, propelling them into the FA Cup finals, and semis of the Champions League etc.

Owing to financial constraints, Valencia C.F had to sell their star players David Villa (Barcelona for 35 million) and David Silva (Manchester City for 25 million). Fans of the club feared the worst. Relegation battles, frequent losses and other pessimistic predictions loomed on the horizon for Valencia. But up stepped Juan Manuel Mata. He assumed captaincy of the team, and gradually began to work his way into history. When he was around, David Silva’s absence was not felt as sorely as it would have been without an adequate replacement. Incredible performances that belied his 22-year old physique enabled Valencia to secure a Champions League spot for a 3rd straight season, a feat which was amazing considering that their main players had departed from the club and the club could not afford big-name players owing to debt.

So Chelsea were impressed by Mata’s record, and from right under Wenger’s nose, signed him up for 25 million. Ah! What a masterstroke! Andres Villas Boas might have been criticised for his inability to conjure up results when it mattered most, but he must be credited for bringing this immensely-talented Spaniard to the club.

Although Chelsea’s season might not have gone the way it should have, the main reason why they are still in with a chance of securing atmost two trophies is because of Mata. His sublime link-up play and cheeky lobs over the defence have led to many a goal being scored. In 46 games played this season, he has scored 13 and assisted 18 (including two assists in the 5-1 demolition of Spurs in the FA Cup semis).

But numbers do not reveal the entire story. Watch a Chelsea match, and you will understand why I am rating this player so highly. He is miles ahead of any other Chelsea team-mate in terms of creativity and flair. Although Sturrdige might lay claim to being Chelsea’s trickster, no one, I repeat, no one can ever lay claim to being at par with Mata. Only David Silva and perhaps Modric might claim to possess the same level of artistry and playmaking ability in the EPL. His impact index would be in four-digits, his efficiency close to 100%. His pass % is at par with some of the leading playmakers of the day, and the number of assists that he has contributed would make you gasp in sheer wonder. And what’s more amazing is the fact that he has managed to perform at this high level week-in week-out. He has carried the entire burden of Chelsea’s midfield on his shoulders and has delivered for them time and time again. His set-piece quality has been world-class, with most of their set-pieces having being converted when Mata steps up to take it rather than any other player. His free-kicks are a thing of sheer class and beauty. His technique is a stark contrast to that of Drogba’s, who relies on power and pace to beat the wall and the keeper. But Mata carefully guides it into the net. He makes sure that although the ball may not have the requisite pace, it would possess the perfect spin and direction on it to evade everyone and find itself nestled in the goal.

His sublime dinks over the defence to play in team-mates into scoring opportunities has been his biggest strength. Witness the FA Cup match against Tottenham, where they comfortably won 5-1. Barring his goal (which should not have been given), he was sublime throughout the match, teeing up Malouda and Ramires with supremely refined first-touch lobs that confounded the defenders. His general play was excellent throughout, his swift play and Messi-esque dribbling ability causing havoc through the hapless Spurs defence. In addition to this, there are countless such incidents where the diminutive Spainard has proved to be the difference between the two sides. That wonderful finish against Manchester united, that last-gasp winner against Wigan Athletic….the list of magical moments could go on and on.

But the biggest scar in his otherwise stellar career is the fact that he is Spanish. That alone marks him out as one of the most unfortunate players in football history. He might be mentioned in the future in some article as being one of the top 5/top 10 players never to have played regularly for his national side. At a time when Spain’s midfield is bursting at the seams with such maestros like Xavi, Iniesta, Xabi Alonso and of course Silva, it is very hard for prodigies such as Mata to get a foothold in the first team. And it is extremely frustrating to see that happen, because he deserves a starting spot in almost any team in the world. It is extremely sad that he has to settle for a bench-spot in his national side. But I look forward eagerly to the future, when the likes of Xavi and Xabi retire after having played so well, and Mata might be allowed to unleash the potential that could mark him out as one of the greatest players of all time.

Juan Mata has already cast his magic around Stamford Bridge, with growing demands for him to be inculcated into the Chelsea All-Time Greatest XI. And I am a staunch supporter of that move, because it is the least that we can do to appreciate his class, his finesse, his vision, his impact.

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