A Mata of Concern – What Next for Chelsea's Little Juan

Article by Robert Wake

World Cup Winner, European Football Championship Winner, Champions League Winner, Europa League Winner, FA Cup Winner, Chelsea Player of The Year. You get the picture; Juan Manuel Mata Garcia has a pretty impressive CV over the last few years.

Currently however, Chelsea’s diminutive Spaniard cannot even command a cameo substitute appearance against FC Basel, where Chelsea were not even able to muster an attempt on target. As Kevin De Bruyne replaced Willian in the 87th minute in Basel, it was the first time I had really become concerned for Mata’s future at Stamford Bridge. Until then I had believed that a player of such obvious quality was sure to regain his place sooner rather than later, but now I do have my doubts. Not about Mata you understand. His quality is beyond question, but his place, not only in the team, but at the Club remain a major concern, not just to me, but to the majority of the Stamford Bridge regulars.

Right now, Mata has a number of obstacles standing between him and a regular place in the Chelsea starting line-up. It seems, certainly to those on us looking in from the outside, that Jose Mourinho, for whatever reason simply doesn’t see Mata in his first choice 11. This is a topic of great debate on Chelsea forums and weblogs at the moment. You see the vast majority of Chelsea supporters, myself included, worship Jose Mourinho. He won back to back titles and is rightly revered by the Stamford Bridge faithful, but so too is Mata, not only for his on field displays, but for his demeanour off the pitch - he comes across as one of football’s good guys, loved by us, and admired equally by supporters of other teams. If you ask a supporter of Arsenal, Manchester United or Liverpool, they would have him in their team in a heartbeat, and so would we.

Another obstacle for Mata is the presence and form of Oscar. No one would dispute that Oscar is in a good moment. Goals, assists and a phenomenal work rate make the Brazilian one of Mourinho’s untouchables. Further competition is provided by Eden Hazard, Willian, Andre Schurrle and Kevin De Bruyne, though the latter has experienced a similar problem to that of Mata thus far this season – six into three won’t go. This leads us on to another obstacle. Recently, Mourinho has reverted to a 4-3-3 formation, adding John Obi Mikel to the ‘double pivot’ at the expense of an attacking midfielder. If this becomes his favoured formation, as I believe it may, then six into three becomes six into two, and further reduces Mata’s opportunities.

The next month is crucial for Mata’s long-term future at the Club. Chelsea play eight matches across three competitions during December, which will surely lead to regular rotation, and consequently an opportunity for Mata to stake his claim. If he is able to stamp his class in the time he gets, then it is not inconceivable that he can gain his manager’s trust, and establish himself in the team for the rest of the season. The flip side of course, is if his performances fall below his usual standard. Should that happen, then Chelsea supporters would possibly have to come to terms with the unthinkable, and prepare for life without our ‘Little Juan’.

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