“24 August 2011, Juan Manuel Mata moves to premier league giants Chelsea for £23.5 million after agreeing a 5 year deal with the London based side.”
Juan Mata wrote headlines back in 2011 when he moved away from Valencia and towards the flashes and riches of premier league. Having led Valencia to a third place finish in La Liga, there were several clubs interested to bring the Spanish wizard under their belt. But it was Chelsea and its Russian money that was able to lure him away.
The Blues New ‘No 10’ was one of the most promising talent at the time and he proved himself again by guiding Chelsea to the illusive champions league crown. It was Mata who took that corner in Munich which was met by Didier Drogba, who went on to score one of the most important goals in Chelsea’s history. Mata was even crowned Chelsea’s player of the season that year which was followed by the 2012 European championship.
More glory followed as Chelsea conquered the Europa League the following year. Deservedly, Mata again won the player of the season. Now at United, Mata is more of a squad player for the Jose Mourinho led side. But his impact is still very much the same.
JUAN MATA: THE MASTERO
He has certainly come a long way from his days in Spain. But the credit for Mata’s incredible rise rather goes to an unusual name : Unai Emery.
Mata moved from Real Madrid to Valencia at the start of 2007-08 season. Still an unproven talent, Mata found it hard to break into the first eleven. But after a string of poor result and change in management, Mata was soon brought into the picture. He played 33 times that season helping Valencia win the Spanish cup. After finishing 8th in the league, Unai Emery came into the foray. A decision that changed both Mata’s and Valencia’s fortune.
Emery made Mata a permanent figure in his starting lineup and moved him into his favoured No 10 role allowing him to control the game. This change led to Mata being named in Spain’s 2010 World cup winning squad after an impressive 2009-10 season.
Emery improved Mata’s work rate this was an influential move as Mata went on to represent Emery’s side on over 140 appearance across three season.
Emery guided Valencia to successive third place finish but more over he shaped the future of one of Spain’s most creative midfielder.
And on Thursday, The Professor and his student go head to head in one of English football’s iconic matches as Mata’s united face Emery’s Arsenal. Tempers are surely going to rise during the game but the two Spaniards will undoubtedly show their love and respect for one another.
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