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The blockbuster fixture from this weekend’s Premier League action sees champions-elect Chelsea host a revived Manchester United in a mouth-watering showdown at Stamford Bridge. Even before a ball has been kicked, tabloid writers are preparing to base their headlines around just one player: that is, of course, Juan Mata.
It has been 15 months since Jose Mourinho ruthlessly deemed the Spaniard surplus to requirements in West London, authorising the £37.5 million sale of the two-time Chelsea player of the year to Premier League rivals Manchester United. The transfer itself raised many eyebrows regarding both parties: the Blues had sold arguably their greatest technician, whilst the Red Devils had splashed a then-club record fee on a luxury player when the Old Trafford outfit clearly had much bigger holes to fill.
The timing of Mata’s arrival to Old Trafford didn’t help matters either as Manchester United suffered their worst campaign in over two decades. Subsequently, the former Chelsea star, along with Marouane Fellaini, became scapegoats synonymous with the unforgettable ill-fated David Moyes era.
The diminutive midfield maestro did show signs of promise during those first six months, registering an impressive six goals in 15 Premier League appearances, but questions still remained as to whether the No.8 could reinvent himself as a key member of the Red Devils attack.
Not contributing defensively saw Mata out of favour at Chelsea
While Mata had enjoyed a fantastic first two seasons in England under three separate managers, playing a starring role as Chelsea clinched Champions League, FA Cup and Europa League titles, life at Stamford Bridge soured rapidly following the return of Mourinho in the summer of 2014.
Fingers were pointed towards the Spaniard’s perceived lack of defensive contribution, it was also widely accepted that the pass-master could only flourish when an entire team was built around him – a philosophy that the Special One simply wasn’t willing to execute.
Mata was instead moved from his then-favoured No.10 role, to make way for Brazilian star Oscar, and shifted out wide to operate on the right flank. His influence on matches quickly faded; Mourinho was unhesitant in making his grievances known as the previously indispensable midfielder was relegated to the fringes.
Having completed just two full matches under his new boss, Mata moved to Manchester in the midst of his worst form since arriving to England two-and-a-half years earlier. Despite pleasing individual statistics during those early months at Old Trafford, his contribution was often viewed as to the detriment of the team’s overall performance.
Centrally, Mata is just one of several stars at Manchester United. With skipper Wayne Rooney often dropping deep, there was a sense of overcrowding in crucial areas and those problems continued to hamper the Spaniard’s progress even after the change of manager. In fact, towards the end of 2014, it appeared as though Louis van Gaal was reaching the same conclusion as Mourinho just 12 months previously.
Juan Mata’s evolution key to Manchester United’s revival
However, after six months of formational rotation, Van Gaal seems to have found the winning formula; the evolution of Mata has been key to the team’s recent renaissance.
Manchester United make the trip to Stamford Bridge on the back of six straight victories and the new look 4-1-4-1 system has proven to be a monumental hit during that impressive sequence. Arguably one of the chief factors behind this success is the fact it enables Mata to shine, despite operating from the right flank.
At times, Mata has been insatiable during Manchester United’s return to form and boasts three goals and an assist in the past three games alone. During his man-of-the-match display at Anfield, the Spaniard provided more touches, more crosses and, crucially, more goals than any other player whilst also claiming an assist.
It was a truly breathtaking individual display from the little magician: in particular, his sublime second goal evoked a sense that this could be the defining moment to accelerate the midfielder’s purpose and standing at Old Trafford.
Make no mistake; this was hardly Mata’s first telling contribution in a Red Devils shirt. In fact, since departing Stamford Bridge, the Manchester United man has not only scored more goals than Oscar, he has also created more assists than his Chelsea successor. However, there is no doubt that this recent run in Van Gaal’s team has stirred up the greatest level of excitement during his 15-month spell with the 13-time Premier League champions.
This is a different Mata from the one that captured hearts during the early days at Chelsea. Van Gaal’s recent enthusiasm to utilise the No.8 as a false right-winger seems to be working a treat, allowing the silky skills and acute vision to really thrive – especially when linked with central midfielder Ander Herrera and supported by the speedy Antonio Valencia at right-back.
Manchester Untied have historically leaned towards a philosophy hell-bent on placing focus on wing play and it is ironic to see a former central attacking midfielder experience such joy from that right side cutting in. However, that tendency to join the congested middle doesn’t mean Mata is withdrawn from hitting the touchline. Perhaps Van Gaal deserves credit for championing a change of mentality that Mourinho had been either unwilling or unable to yield.
Defensive re-focusing has helped strengthen the Spaniard’s position in the team
Moreover, Mata’s defensive discipline has been equally impressive this term. The Manchester United man has made twice as many interceptions as, regular Chelsea right-midfielder, Willian this term as well as producing far greater results in the attacking third.
| EPL 2014-15 | Juan Mata (Man Utd) | Willian (Chelsea) |
|---|---|---|
| Games | 27 | 30 |
| Minutes played | 1838 | 1970 |
| Assists | 4 | 3 |
| Goals scored | 8 | 2 |
| Interceptions | 18 | 9 |
Technical talent as pure as Mata’s is a sought after commodity in any team and his ability to turn games in an instant would make him a key asset to any squad in world football. The problem, as often is the case with creative stars, is finding the right system to unleash their best. Van Gaal seems to have found it and the ‘new’ Mata could be crucial as Manchester United aim to seal their return to English football’s summit in 2015/16.
Perhaps the Spaniard will finally complete his personal collection by adding a Premier League winners’ medal to a cabinet that already boasts a World Cup and a European Championship title in addition to the honours won at Chelsea.
Before that, though, Mata makes his first return to Stamford Bridge since his unspectacular departure just one week after Chelsea beat the Red Devils. Maybe, just maybe, he’ll prove that Mourinho should’ve kept him.
