Juan Mata

[KonohasOrangeFlash 2,607]

His link up play with Eden was almost something akin to what Barcelona play like. Exciting I think the rest will be so helpful and even in this game he looked sharper. Also the decision to pick Oscar over him will ignite a little fire in Juan's belly as he has good competition now.

[Jase 43,479]

His link up play with Eden was almost something akin to what Barcelona play like. Exciting I think the rest will be so helpful and even in this game he looked sharper. Also the decision to pick Oscar over him will ignite a little fire in Juan's belly as he has good competition now.

The hilarious thing yesterday was people slated RDM for choosing Oscar over Mata before the game and then they all went missing at HT and after that...

[RamiCFC9 258]

It may sound like knee-jerk but I would say it anyway, the difference between Mata compared to SIlva,Iniesta and future Oscar is that the later three would've burried that chance with ease.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

I disagree there. David Silva is an horrific finisher of the ball.

[Ollie 4,400]

He only had to square it anyway, it was an easy pass to make. Torres was so free and open, the game would've been killed off (Obviously depending if he had actually put it in the net).

[TorontoChelsea 4,064]

He only had to square it anyway, it was an easy pass to make. Torres was so free and open, the game would've been killed off (Obviously depending if he had actually put it in the net).

It was difficult to see though. Mata had his back to Torres who has a distance away. Mata would have had to have stopped and looked which would have been a mistake as he had an excellent opportunity to score himself. Watching it live, I didn't even see Torres, it wasn't until the replay that I saw him coming into the picture.

[Ollie 4,400]

that's true i suppose, it's always easier on TV and on FIFA lol. Torres maybe shoulda called and been more vocal, seeing it again it would've been hard for Mata to see him in truth.

[Spike 12,049]

I disagree there. David Silva is an horrific finisher of the ball.

As is Iniesta. Mata is the strongest finisher out of the four people listed. I don't understand where this idea that Mata is a poor finisher comes from, he has been more prolific in front of goal than all three others.

Stats from wiki so I don't know how accurate they are, and I know that stats aren't everything but...

Mata - 248 appearances for Valencia, Chelsea and Spain scoring 64 times. 0.258 Goals per match.

Oscar - 95 appearances for Sao Paulo, Inter and Brasil scoring 23 times. 0.242 Goals per match

David Silva - 398 appeareances for Eibar, Celta, Valencia, ManCity and Spain scoring 69 times. 0.173 Goals per match.

Iniesta - 487 appearances for Barcelona and Spain scoring 51 times. 0.104 Goals per match.

[KonohasOrangeFlash 2,607]

Mata (like Silva and Iniesta) is a mediocre finisher. That won't change so we should get used to it, as frustrating as it is.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

It may sound like knee-jerk but I would say it anyway, the difference between Mata compared to SIlva,Iniesta and future Oscar is that the later three would've burried that chance with ease.

Silva and Iniesta are terrible finishers. And please don't post any videos of them finishing because a few cases don't constitute the rule.

I'd say between the four, Mata is definitely the best finisher. And for the record, his chance last night was much much harder than it looks, he got the technique perfect but was a bit unlucky.

[RamiCFC9 258]

When stats talk - I was wrong here but we can all agree he needs to work on his finishing and Hazard also, it will make them far better players.

[DYC. 7,542]

His touch is so brilliant, definitely among the very best in the league.

Oh and I love bearded Juan.

[Milan 17,853]

His magic once again proved winning against Stoke. Last season he created the winner for Drogba, this year for Ash! His touch and vision are jsut brilliant.

[chelsea_4_eva 1,157]

i love you juan!

[Ollie 4,400]

He was excellent today as was Oscar, brilliant by both. This was the real Mata, great touches and a lovely flick for the goal.

[Jase 43,479]

A day with Mata.

[Jase 43,479]

He was excellent today as was Oscar, brilliant by both. This was the real Mata, great touches and a lovely flick for the goal.

Think the rest may have benefited him very well. And that was his 1st assist of the season. He's up and running.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

MOTM for me, excellent performance and was essential fro getting other players especially Oscar in the game.

And what a brilliant and classy assist.