Juan Mata

[The only place to be 11,313]

Rumor has it PSG will make a 41m bid in Jan.

Makes sense on one hand. It's a fair offer, it's a position we're stocked in and have other youngsters on the horizon and it's PSG who aren't really a threat.

[Gilvorak 3,734]

Makes sense on one hand. It's a fair offer, it's a position we're stocked in and have other youngsters on the horizon and it's PSG who aren't really a threat.

You don't sell a player like Mata. You simply don't.

[The only place to be 11,313]

You don't sell a player like Mata. You simply don't.

When he's not a first-choice player then you consider it. When you think you can be successful in the league and the Champions League without him then you consider it.

[ParNolio7 285]

You don't sell a player like Mata. You simply don't.

I'd agree with you mate but even worse than selling a player like Mata is keeping a player like Mata on the bench. A player of such exceptional quality deserves to be on the pitch, if not for Chelsea than for another (non EPL) club.

The bench is for young, aspiring talents such as De Bruyne, Willian and experienced, less talented players (Obi Mikel, ...).

[AndersonBLUE 819]

It's a long season - he will shine and have his moments this season no doubt about that.

[Korea 734]

I'd agree with you mate but even worse than selling a player like Mata is keeping a player like Mata on the bench. A player of such exceptional quality deserves to be on the pitch, if not for Chelsea than for another (non EPL) club.

The bench is for young, aspiring talents such as De Bruyne, Willian and experienced, less talented players (Obi Mikel, ...).

WIllian not really young anymore....

[Sir Mikel OBE 4,920]

WIllian not really young anymore....

25 is pretty young.

[Korea 734]

25 is pretty young.

not for a footballer.....

You should be near or in your peak, especially attackin players...

[Sir Mikel OBE 4,920]

not for a footballer.....

You should be near or in your peak, especially attackin players...

I think even for a footballer it is young. Willian wont even be 30 by the time the Russian World cup comes around. I think he will be near his peak, as long as he does not pick up any major injuries, in his late 20's, especially since he has just moved to a big league.

[Jype 6,398]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhYE5UJ_pEo

What's with the Assassin's Creed shirt? Is he doing some voice acting for the Spanish version or just a fan of the game series?

Anyway, good interview.

[Gilvorak 3,734]

I still think there's a place for Mata in the starting lineup. Oscar's future is at CM for me in a B2B role.

As great as Oscar is he doesn't have the vision of someone like Mata. Playmakers of that ilk are rare.

They can definitely play together.

[ParNolio7 285]

Totally agree Oscar and Mata could play together.

Mata together with Lampard is another story ...

But it's difficult to say goodbye to Franky after all he's done and how he's still performing today.

But ideally, you'd put a hard working, defensive midfielder next to Mata and Oscar in front of them.

Ramires could be the defensive midfielder, but in that position loses a lot of his attacking assets ...

Hard choices ...

[Jase 43,479]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24759454

There will be an interview with Mata on Football Focus on BBC One and the BBC Sport website from 12:00 GMT this Saturday.

[Rmpr 8,977]

What's with the Assassin's Creed shirt? Is he doing some voice acting for the Spanish version or just a fan of the game series?

Anyway, good interview.

More like getting payed...

[Irakozium257 350]

You don't sell a player like Mata. You simply don't.

This!

I really don't get it how some are actually being complacent because it's going good for us, and don't mind us selling him. What if we get an injury plague like Schalke, you want us to go back to the good ol' days (10-11 esp.) where we didn't have a strong bench. I def. believe that we shouldn't sell Mata at all costs because he's our own treasure, and you can feel from his vibes that he loves being a part of the club. The rotation policy that Mourinho is running atm. is wonderfully smooth, and I def. see Mata starting some of the upcoming games, besides, he's great friends with Oscar and I surely think that they mutually love the challenge of challenging and rotating for the same spot.