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Juan Manuel Mata Garcia, one of the Premier League’s best ever playmakers. Across his illustrious career, Mata has made 566 club appearances, whilst representing his country 41 times.
In that time, the Spaniard has won the World Cup, the Euros, four Domestic cups and the UEFA Champions League. There aren’t many who have enjoyed more success than the 31-year-old and despite that success, the Spaniard is hungrier than ever before.
Apart from his playing ability, Juan Mata is one of the nicest guys in football. All fans regardless of their allegiance seem to respect him and want to see the Spaniard do well in life. In fact, he’s one of those few players that doesn’t get booed or abused when he goes back to a former club.
However, his time at Manchester United may be coming to an end as his current deal expires at the end of this month. Having played for Valencia, Chelsea and Manchester United, Mata has seen it all and done it all. Although his better days are behind him, Mata has the legs for one more impactful move, a move which could well be his last.
Here are 5 possible destinations for Juan Mata ranked:
#5 Juventus
Right now, in world football, there isn’t a more dominant monopoly than Juventus in Serie A. The Zebre just won their eighth consecutive league title, with a comfortable eleven-point cushion. A lot of greats in football have proven themselves in Italy and for Juan Mata, it’d be the perfect opportunity to prove that his playing ability is truly continental.
At the Allianz Stadium, the 31-year-old wouldn’t be a starting player, instead, he would be brought in for squad depth. Due to his versatility, the Spaniard would be deployed in either two of the midfield positions and also as a wide playmaker.
You also can’t downplay the attractiveness of playing alongside the best player in the world. Cristiano Ronaldo’s superstardom stretches beyond football and what a fitting end to Mata’s career it would be to play alongside an all-time great.
With Massimiliano Allegri making way for a new manager, the signing of Juan Mata would be an assured and safe option just to steady a Juventus ship venturing into new waters.
#4 Valencia
As the Spaniard nears the end of his career, a return to his boyhood club Valencia would be a romantic move for the 31-year-old. Juan Mata enjoyed some of his best days at Valencia, making 174 appearances, scoring 46 goals and providing 24 assists across four years.
It was this stint that put his name on the radar of several Premier League clubs, declaring him as one of the most sought-after talents in world football. Now a decade or so later, the Spaniard would be welcomed back as a cult hero and instantly become a locker room leader.
Mata would be returning to a Valencia team in great shape. Los Ches Els Taronges finished fourth in the league while winning the Copa del Rey against a discombobulated Barcelona side. Juan Mata would be walking into a team with Champions League football, something even his beloved Manchester United can’t offer him.
#3 Stay at Manchester United?
How about a strange alternative in actually staying at Old Trafford? Despite being marginalised by Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer still sees the Spaniard as a valuable member of his team.
The fact of the matter is the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard have failed to deliver on an attacking front. The four of them only mustered up 36 goals, with Paul Pogba claiming the top scorer's spot.
Despite having limited game time, Mata was still able to score six goals in all competitions whilst maintaining a higher pass accuracy (86%) than of all his attacking teammates.
Juan Mata is one of the only players from this season that can hold his head up high, knowing he gave his all to the team. If anyone deserves a contract extension, it’s the Spaniard and I guess finishing your career at one of the biggest clubs in the world, isn’t so bad after all.
#2 Arsenal
Since Arsène Wenger left last summer, his beloved Arsenal have been a mess both on the pitch and off it. The fans are not happy with how the season went and are looking for great personnel change this summer.
The Gunners have always been accused of not having any mental steel or leaders; when the going gets tough, the players seem to crawl into their shell and capitulate. They’re in need of experienced and talented players, players like Juan Mata.
Mesut Özil is Arsenal’s highest paid player. Let that sink in. But for all the millions of pounds the German has received, he only produced three assists all season. Apart from that, his defensive work rate was poor, and Unai Emery is seeking to sell him.
Juan Mata would be the perfect replacement for the German. The 31-year-old offers as much creativity as Özil, more tactical nous and a better work rate off the ball. In fact, he’s the perfect Unai Emery player.
#1 FC Barcelona
It’s every Spaniard’s dream to either play for Barcelona or Real Madrid at one point in their career. Those two clubs epitomise everything great about Spanish football.
Juan Mata started his youth career back at Real Madrid Castilla but was deemed not good enough for the first team. How ironic would it be for Mata to start his career in Madrid but end it at their dearest rivals?
Barcelona are in the midst of a transitional period. Ernesto Valverde’s reign of terror doesn’t seem to be ending any time soon but the pressure on his shoulders will undoubtedly force him to change his tactics next season.
Juan Mata’s vast experience and superior technical ability will make him a valuable asset for the under-fire manager. Ivan Rakitić and Arturo Vidal are rumoured to be moving on from Barcelona, Mata and Frankie de Jong coming in the other way would be a more than sufficient replacement.
