Photo by tauxu2000

According to newspaper rumors, Chelsea have tabled a bid of £29 million for Valencia winger Juan Mata, while Arsenal is also supposedly interested despite Wenger claiming last week that he ruled out bringing him to Emirates Stadium. But who is Juan Mata, how good is he, and will he be a great signing?

Juan Mata is a 23-year-old Spanish winger who is 5’5″ tall. He’s made 176 appearances for Valencia and has scored 46 goals after joining the club from Real Madrid. Mata is a Spanish international, who recently won the U-21 European Championship. Mata is a player known for his hardworking style, gifted, excellent dribbler, quick, clever, versatile and also quite creative.  He also has an excellent left foot and a good eye for goal.

Here’s how he rates on a scale of 0 to 10 for each of his skills:

Skills:

  • Creativity: 7.0
  • Dribbling: 7.5
  • Pace: 7.0
  • Work-Rate: 7.5
  • Shooting: 7.0
  • Reliability: 8.0
  • Passing: 7.5
  • Crossing: 7.0
  • Tackling: 5.5

Mata plays more as a “False 10.” He’s a player that likes to drift more to the wing and make his runs and plays. He plays more on the left wing. He can also play in the middle as a creative midfielder, as proven last season with Valencia after David Silva’s departure, where he became the fulcrum and playmaker of the side. He was excellent last season, scoring 10 goals and making 15 assists in 44 appearances, which is his best season yet, displaying his versatility and creativity. But still I believe he’ll be playing on the left hand side if he joins a Premier League side.

Juan Mata, if he does sign, will be a great signing. Not only because of his skillful style of play and creativity, but also his hardworking nature. He’s a player that runs his socks off for the team and will give his all. He’s an excellent player that would become a fan-favorite.

Juan Mata is reportedly valued by Valencia at £30 million, but it is speculated that a fee of around £25-29 million pounds will be enough to acquire him. I really hope Chelsea or Arsenal do as he’ll be a great signing for either club and the Premier League.

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