Juan Mata

[communicate 2,703]

We didn't play counter attack against Everton.

It's a myth that Mourinho has a set system for the squad.

Counter attack does not mean defend2 and counter. It is more about fast transition,I am not sure mata fits that system.

He is much better playing slightly slower tempo and play killer ball.

With the way we play right now, oscar is much more suited in that no 10 position even hazard is probably better.

For me, It is probably a good example of either modifies a system around your player or use a system and make the team fits around it.

I really like mata as a player and I really wish mourinho can find a way to incorporate mata, but it looks like it is not going to happen.

Hopefully, I am wrong but that is

[Amblève. 4,995]

Using Differentgame’s Chance Creation Model we can test Mata’s ‘key’ passing from last year against the Premier League benchmark. For clarity, Opta define a ‘key’ pass as “the final pass or pass-cum-shot leading to the recipient having an attempt at goal”.

From just under 100 key passes, Mata assisted 12 Premier League goals. Mapping these key passes to the model, we can calculate that the average number of assists he could have expected was just over 9.

However, take out key passes made directly from set pieces and we see assists fall to 8 with the expected average being just over 7. Considering this is supposed to be one of the Premier League’s finest talents the open play impact of Mata doesn’t look huge.

http://differentgame.wordpress.com/2013/09/16/how-much-does-juan-mata-to-chelsea/

[Jase 43,479]

The focus is on Mata because he can only be effective in the central attacking midfielder role.

Hazard will start majority of the games because he's our best LW/AML player and Oscar's ability to drop deep and play as a third CM will strengthen his chances of playing regularly.

Hazard is our best LW/AML but if he doesn't perform well, then he will also be replaced no? They each at least have a competitor to compete with for their position, not just Mata alone. And Oscar may have the ability to drop deep and become a 3rd CM but if he doesn't provide the attacking impetus for one playing in the No.10/CAM role, then there's an issue.

[English Freak 456]

Hazard is our best LW/AML but if he doesn't perform well, then he will also be replaced no? They each at least have a competitor to compete with for their position, not just Mata alone. And Oscar may have the ability to drop deep and become a 3rd CM but if he doesn't provide the attacking impetus for one playing in the No.10/CAM role, then there's an issue.

I see your point and you're right.

We have issues in the attacking midfield positions that need to be resolved sooner rather than later.

I just feel José needs to pick his 3 best AM's and play them together on a regular basis, so they can develop some understanding amongst each other.

As for this whole Mata/Oscar debate for the CAM role, the problem is, both of them need regular football and they both offer different advantages to our team.

It's going to be a tough decision...but at the end of the day, I just don't see how all of our AM's can co-exist...someone is gonna end up being unhappy.

[Styles 9,790]

http://differentgame.wordpress.com/2013/09/16/how-much-does-juan-mata-to-chelsea/

I kinda thought that as well. I remember asking for his number of open-play assists in this topic not that long ago. Although you have to wonder if our lack of decent forwards have negatively impacted his open-play assists, for instance I'd imagine Mata would assist a player with great movement like Van Persie far more than somebody like Torres.

[Jase 43,479]

[Styles 9,790]

Considering the way he gave the ball away for what eventually led to their winner the bench might be the best place for him.

[yuvala 2,167]

Considering the way he gave the ball away for what eventually led to their winner the bench might be the best place for him.

So you're gonna judge him by this 1 mistake?

He should be given more opportunities. Its funny how he went from our best player to bench warmer.

[Sir Mikel OBE 4,920]

So you're gonna judge him by this 1 mistake?

He should be given more opportunities. Its funny how he went from our best player to bench warmer.

Any other player playing the way he has wouldnt have got on the pitch tonight.

[Styles 9,790]

So you're gonna judge him by this 1 mistake?

He should be given more opportunities. Its funny how he went from our best player to bench warmer.

That 'one mistake' is not actually a one off. He is extremely weak and can't shield the ball well under pressure. He was dispossesed like a 10 year old and brushed aside.

He was our best player because he had a free role and could do as he pleased, exerted no energy on the defensive side of the game and played a position that made him central to the entire game. Give Hazard that role and he'd be just as good if not better.

[Rubber bullets 1,183]

You don't go from being a player that wins the teams Player of the Year award twice in a row to being under average in a space of a few months.

It looks to me more and more that Jose and Mata do not see eye to eye on how he should be used in the team and the tactics that are to be used.

[yuvala 2,167]

That 'one mistake' is not actually a one off. He is extremely weak and can't shield the ball well under pressure. He was dispossesed like a 10 year old and brushed aside.

He was our best player because he had a free role and could do as he pleased, exerted no energy on the defensive side of the game and played a position that made him central to the entire game. Give Hazard that role and he'd be just as good if not better.

Sorry but I can't agree with that ..

You're basicaly calling Mata an average player, saying the only reason he did well was because of the role he had?

[polo 18]

he was bad again

[Sir Mikel OBE 4,920]

he was bad again

Dont worry the Mata fan club will find a way to blame Mikel, or the weather, for his faults.

[Styles 9,790]

Sorry but I can't agree with that ..

You're basicaly calling Mata an average player, saying the only reason he did well was because of the role he had?

Mata is a very good player and I rate him a lot. He's just not the amazing player people think he is, and the idea he can't be benched or not have to fight for a place in the team like everybody else is ridiculous. When he fucks up he should he held accountable like every player is. When Mikel made a mistake against Juve that led to a goal he recieved racist remarks on twitter from so-called Chelsea fans and had to delete his account. I'm not a betting man but I think Mata will still have his twitter account tomorrow morning, just a hunch.

[The_Flash 1,144]

Mata is a great player but not play has affected him and to go form player of the year to so clearly snubbed it affects you, he didnt do too much when he came on

[The Skipper 20,593]

Considering the way he gave the ball away for what eventually led to their winner the bench might be the best place for him.

He hasn't been getting minutes and the manager hasn't really shown faith in him so obviously, he's going to be sloppy on the ball.

He's still the best orchestrator on the ball in our squad and I think he's the X Factor we've been missing when going forward.

Even the half chance (Eto'o) we created in the second half came off a pass from him.

We really need to play him more IMO.

[Amblève. 4,995]

Jose needs to start playing Juan ASAP - even it means that Oscar has to drop deeper or completely out of the starting XI.