Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho drops Juan Mata
Juan Mata was voted Chelsea’s player of the season in each of the last two campaigns, and was an instrumental part of their victories in the FA Cup, UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.
However, the only person Mata has failed to impress in his time at Stamford Bridge is Jose Mourinho, who has only selected the Spain international to start three Premier League matches this term – and substituted him in all of them.
Mata is a brilliantly creative player who also provides a goal threat, and whilst his defensive responsibility could use work, he undoubtedly offers more in attack than Oscar, as the Brazilian is more disciplined runner and finisher than architect.
Mata is never going to be an old fashioned winger who scarpers up the touchline to cross to team-mates and back to help out his full back.
He retains possession with intelligent play and movement in the final third so that his covering defender is not under pressure.
Quite how Jose Mourinho can dismiss the Spaniard’s quality is beyond most fans and pundits alike, but Juan Mata’s unique attributes would certainly improve almost any other side in the world.
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