Last season, I think most would agree that Mata was one of the best players. His technique, and chemistry with Hazard and Oscar were one of the most exciting things to watch. It was his performance last season that pushed him RIGHT into the Spanish team. But, since the arrival of Mourinho...it seems that Mata does not seem to fit with the GREAT ONE'S plans. Why is that?
Let's look at Mourinho. He is a defensive-minded coach. He builds a great wall from the back and focuses on his team being clinical in the counter attack. So that means quick players who are sharp, direct and precise. Hazard and Oscar fit those qualities and Schurrle is a very quick winger with a good cross in his closet. Those are things that can't really be said about Mata.
His football is a lot slower and measured. He takes his time with his left foot to find the perfect pass, and focuses a lot more on technique. This sounds a lot similar to Ozil,who was never a Mourinho golden boy...but his skill was too high to keep him on the bench. Mata works best in a system where the ball is kept and he has time to pick out his passes. Mourinho does not work that way, and wants players who are sharp and pass the ball quickly.
Gullit has come out and said this may be something more personal, perhaps a Portuguese-Spanish thing. Mourinho definitely is an emotional extrovert, but I think the team comes first. He obviously feels that Mata does not have the same qualities as Oscar, Hazard and Schurrle. But, even though Mourinho is my boy...I really do think that Mata would have helped them in the Everton and Basel games.
Chelsea are a team struggling with their strikers. Again on the weekend, it was two midfielders that scored...SHOCKINGLY, Mikel got his first ever goal. The best way for strikers to regain their confidence is to be given that killer pass that puts it on a shiny, sparkling plate for them. Mata has that eye, that Hazard and Oscar sometimes do not have. I really think he can be his Ozil, who got too many assists to count for Madrid.
But we wait and see. Mourinho says he will play in the Worthington Cup (YES, I still call it that), and wants him to prove himself. So...if Mata has a great game, then surely he ought to be given at least two games to show he can really give Chelsea that creative energy.
HH
