There's no escaping the fact that Juan Mata and Chelsea are two names that just fit. The Spanish playmaker joined the Blues from Valencia in the Summer of 2011, costing the club £23.5 million - but what an investment it was.
Scoring on his debut against Norwich, I, along with Chelsea fans across the world, was overwhelmed by the promise that surrounded our number 10. In his first season at the Bridge, Mata played a fundamental role in the club's success in both the FA Cup and of course the Champions League which culminated in that night in Munich. The Spaniard scored 12 in his first season, alongside a handful of assists that deservedly won him Chelsea's Player of the Year for that season.
In his second season with the club, Chelsea became dependant on Mata to deliver success. The Spaniard was a high in what had been a season on ups and downs, provoking comparisons with the great Gianfranco Zola. The 25 year-old was Chelsea's joint top scorer, providing many memorable moments and pieces of absolute genius proving his worth as our number 10. It was not only his individual play, but the way Juan brought others into the game, perhaps changing the philosophy of the football played at the Bridge last season. As the season ended, the Blues collected another European trophy, beating Benfica in the final to lift the Europa League trophy for the first time in the club's history; yet again Juan Mata was named Chelsea's Player of the Year. After two incredible and - at times - breathtaking seasons at the Bridge, it seemed things would only get better.
With the appointment of Jose came a new style of play. A new era. A new mentality that unfortunately saw our Spanish Maestro lose his position in the starting 11. It took me some time to figure out what had changed; I'm not one to doubt Jose's tactics - especially considering the position we find ourselves in now - however I was constantly frustrated to see his name not appear on the team sheet. Jose's new philosophy requires players like your Oscars, Hazards, Willians etc, however hard it may be to accept. For all his technical abilities and moments of magic, Mata's defensive qualities do lack the standard's of a title challenging team. It would be plausible to suggest that he's an attacking midfielder... he doesn't need to defend? But when you've got players like Oscar, who are willing to track back, willing to make that tackle, then it adds to the team's credentials. I believe the turning point to be Mata's appearance on New Year's Day away to Southampton. The Spaniard started the game and was taken off early in the second half; from the body language to the facial expressions on the bench, it wasn't unthinkable to envisage a situation like this.
I write this supposedly the day before Juan Mata's medical at Manchester United; a thought that haunts me. In a way I'm happy for the guy - despite having to move from West London to Manchester! The man is still young, and he still has time to improve and excel as a player before the World Cup this summer. I would have much preferred us to sell him abroad, to the likes of Atletico or Napoli, however there is something questionable in United's bid. A bid that perhaps typifies their season so far. £37 million is a lot of money; £37 million for a player that cannot make your rival's first team seems farcical. In an attempt to see the positives from this situation, it doesn't seem like a move United need to make. They still lack that physical predominance and pace in their midfield that so many of the teams above them have. Who comes off better from the transfer? Chelsea? Or United? On one hand it's one less thing to worry about, and.. well it's £37 million pounds. However it's that thought of perhaps one of my favourite club players over the past few years at Chelsea, in the red shirt of Manchester United that makes me want to knock on Jose's door and ask him if he's lost his mind.
Whatever happens over the next few days, it's undoubtedly going to be tough. The thing that perhaps separates him from other players is his modesty, his sportsmanship and just his sheer genius. I can only hope United appreciate the talent they will have... and that he never scores against us. Thank you, Juan.
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