Mata and Hazard

[BlueLyon 9,359]

It was told hundred times, how powerful attack this duo could become along with Oscar, etc. However, there is little question going on my head, that I cant answer. Mata was last years our finest player for most of the season, but got lost in the end, something similar is going on right now. He is quite tired before start of season and I hope this wont be problem in next years. Everyone needs to adopt to new legaue, specialy so difficult as english, but what I miss at Mata is his burst of energy, he showed last year (first half) and in Valencia. Now, he is still fine class of player, but there is some energy missing frim him, somerhing moreHe made more goals, assists while playing on wing. Sure some of you say (and even I think he connects our attacks very well on CAM). But overall, why are his stats less good, than those when he played on wing. Maybe he is actualy not strong enough, but also that affects his stamina and we need consistant playmaker. Sure Hazard can go on CAM sometimes, but I realy hope Mata wont be so tired. He is great player that gives even more when he is realy rested. Along with that, there comes another fact that Hazard suddenlybecome our best player right now. Mata was somehow sidelined in all this, bit lost. Despite assist and great overall play, he was missing in all the action. Silva improved quite great last season (despite he lost himself in second half, like Mata), butI have feeling that Mata will not have as impressive stats like last year. For our team is great to have so many star players, but Mata gets lost bit in all that, while he should assist, dictate play and score. What do you think?

And finaly, when people are comparing us to city, mentioning they have no real wingers but playmakers in Silva and Nasri? Well their Cam is not typical playmaker but striker (Aguero). That brings completely different game play. Maybe Moses on CAM/second striker with Mata/Hazard on sides wouldnt be bad thing to try.

[Superblue 6,370]

I've touched on this in another thread but I have noticed that Mata has been dropping a lot deeper at times so far this season to collect the ball and start a move going. Last season we couldn't afford him to do this because he was our only true source of creativity and therefore required him as high up the pitch as possible in support of the attack.

Now with an abundance of creative talent, and in particular Hazard, Mata can afford to operate deeper at times. Also in doing so it is giving Hazard more room further forward to drift in and out of and operate in. Mata's movement and awareness is superb and he's finding space further forward very intelligently, moving into what space Hazard has created and vice versa. I believe his stats will still be impressive this season, but we have to appreciate he is playing in a different way which is to the benefit of the team.

Mata and Hazard are already striking up a promising partnership and scaring the shit out of teams. It is so satisfying to know that this can only get better!

[Duppy Conqueror 1,494]

Mata is clearly in need of a rest. but as for stats.avoiding going too much into the fact that the only stats that matter is winning games and trophies.

he isn`t going to get as many assists when others are having their share. his stats were better last season because he was the only one who could create,hence why he was worked like a mule.

it`s nothing to be concerned about..there will be times when it`s Mata who gets the headlines and the motm awards. he is in desperate need of a rest.

[YouNameIt 1,511]

First of all, it's early in the season so what you are claiming dont really have to be true. It does, however, make sense that Mata may have less assists this season and the reason would be quite easy: We've gotten more creative players in the team. I mean, Hazard, Oscar and now Victor Moses. With these players we will have alot pace, quickness, technique and creativity up front which will make it possible for us to not ONLY go through Mata. He's not the only one who we need to be creative and dictate the play.

Secondly, I believe Mata needs abit of rest. We depended on him HUGELY last season and he played every single game basically. He's also been active this summer and is now playing all games again. With the players we've gotten we can afford to rest him abit, and we should, to let him regain energy and just take a well deserved rest.

Third, regarding what @Superblue_1986 said about Mata picking up the ball deeper. I believe that once Oscar has established himself in the team, he will be the one (at least mostly) picking up the ball deeper and then both link up with the offense and be creative, while having say Mata and Hazard on the wings floating freely tho.

So what I really want to say is that, just because we've gotten more players that are creative and similar to Mata, it doesnt make Mata a lesser player. It just gives us more opportunities and other ways to go through than him, and he definatley needs abit of rest.

This season is gonna be awesome because I can already see a huge improvement in our attacking play, and i fking love it!

[BlueLyon 9,359]

Well, I dont realy care about stats and all, as long we are winning and players play well, thats all. Dont be confused, I like our development in attack too, we made few steps further no doubt. Im also pretty sure, in case we would play vs barca again, Mata and Hazard would be much more on the ball than Mata alone last year, new style we play allows that, in three games three wins, 8 goals and 2 conceded. Impressive, specialy because this is what we call transitional times. Wonder how will look our end product in few months

Hm, what about Silva who has plenty competition in City, but he still made similar number of goals and assists last year?

[Tacticalpanic 17]

forget stats , mata playing deeper is whats made our attack much much much better allready , instead of the ball going from mikel > Lampard > mata > drogba , its going mikel >mata>hazard at a faster tempo.

scholes stats would make him seem an average midfielder , but in his prime was problaby the best playmaker in english football.

[Bir_CFC 3,455]

He's still playing very good. Nothing to be worried about. The reason for no stats is just that he isn't the furthest forward midfielder anymore with Hazard here. He's dropping deep to connect the pivot to the attack. It allows us to better maintain possession while his personal stats suffer.

Nothing to worry about.

[Naked Mole Rat 437]

I think TacticalPanic is spot on. Mata now has a different role. Last season, he was asked to stay forward where he could feed other players, and we did that because we couldn't afford to have him drop to deep and receive the ball with Kalou and Malouda on the wing. In our system, that wasn't such a good thing because the transition from the DM's to the forwards was slow and ineffective. Now, he's given the freedom to drop as deep as he needs to get on the ball and then look for Hazard. Then, he usually runs around to give himself and Hazard room, which has worked out fine so far. It's a bit disappointing that Mata's influence has decreased, but our attack looks a lot better and quicker now, and to be honest, we were never going to have each of those players make 2-3 assists a game.

[mlud2000 0]

I like to think Mata is simply sharing the wealth They'll be falling out soon about whos turn to score an hatrick it is next! Hopefully now we have a lot more options RDM will rest him (preferably til mid season) and bring him on fresh to see out the business end. (4 months hols on Romans yacht!)

[BlueLyon 9,359]

I doubt Mata will get any bigger rest. Roman wants victories from Rdm and he wont risk not to play our key player. Maybe match or two, here and there but he will play, lot.

[Tomo 21,733]

Surely Spain won't call Mata up for the confederation's cup at the end of this season? If they do then his fitness will become a huge huge issue. What is the point of that cup? can't they turn it into an under 21 world cup or something?

Personally i think we should have let him go on holiday for 3 weeks after the Newcastle match, come back the day before QPR or something.

[Tacticalpanic 17]

Surely Spain won't call Mata up for the confederation's cup at the end of this season? If they do then his fitness will become a huge huge issue. What is the point of that cup? can't they turn it into an under 21 world cup or something?

Personally i think we should have let him go on holiday for 3 weeks after the Newcastle match, come back the day before QPR or something.

If he went on holiday for 3 weeks theres no way he could play returning a day before a game. he'd need a weeks trainning at the minimum.

[Rambo 1,729]

It's three games into the regular season with loads of football to be played. I have nothing to be worried about.

[Tomo 21,733]

If he went on holiday for 3 weeks theres no way he could play returning a day before a game. he'd need a weeks trainning at the minimum.

If it means he cannot face QPR then the first CL game then so be it if it means he will perform better for the rest of the season than he would have had he not got the rest.

The phrase small sacrifice for big reward comes to mind.

[Bir_CFC 3,455]

He should go on vacation after the super cup (Aug 31), miss the QPR match and return on the bench for Stoke (Sep 22) and back to beasting for Arsenal (Sep 29).

[Amblève. 4,995]

Physical injuries are one story but mental "injuries" are a way more serious one. There's been rumours that Wilshere had burnout after that long season, and I just hope Mata doesn't have to deal with it if we continue to play him week in, week out.

[Mustafa 885]

Ive been impressed with how Mata's been playing this deeper role in our first few games.. he plays alot like Iniesta now and its soooo much better for the team as he has the ball more often instead of last season when the ball was mostly at Mikels feet. As for his connection with Hazard, its alot like that of Iniesta and Messi.. most of the praise goes to Messi (in this case Hazard) but Iniesta is the technician(in our case Mata) .. the man whose at the root of it all.

[ymalleb 14]

I'm personally has no problem at all with Mata stats. His performance on the field that bother me and he did impressively well in every game. Though, had to agree with most of us here that he should be given a lengthy rest (at least 3 weeks) fully regain his stamina back. He seems to faded towards the end of 2nd half despite not having seen him showing the sign of catching a breath. I think the buy of Oscar is crucial to keep Mata & Hazard always fresh, so any of them wouldn't burnout near the later part of the season. Moses more into Torres & Studge backup.