Juan Mata | Match Discussion thread 2013/14

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I think there is a lot more to come from him. Liked the way he always wanted the ball even in heavy traffic.
 
He had a good game. A couple of neat passes to set up attacks. Just a bit rusty and unfamiliar with his teammates. Will see him get better after a couple of games.
 
Those few balls he played directly into the box that caused issues, will help us when our attack sort themselves out.

Had a good 1st game for us
 
Not seen the game yet but love his involvement in first goal... pings a ball out to Evra on left from halfway line and then as the cross comes in from Young, Mata is the furthest forward.

Really interested to see how he, Rooney and van Persie work together and where they all play and who gets left out from last night's side for Rooney. Or maybe leave both wingers out and bring Januzaj in too. Moyes seems intent on keeping his 4-4-1-1. Hoping that'll change in time.
 
Just watched first half, will watch 2nd half tomorrow (tired). Some lovely passes and touches. Can see he's not trained much with the players though, perhaps not fully fit either as he's not played much. Speed of attack is much quicker, both Young and Valencia playing a bit more direct, more players getting into the box now too and that is key. Young in particular seems to have gained from Mata's arrival, perhaps wary that his place at the club is in jeopardy now that Mata has arrived. Healthy competition. Most of our players on their day are good enough. Under Fergie we were able to not play at 100% and win, think we've carried that on in to Moyes' era and it's not working, think we have to change that for rest of the season in order to get 4th place.

Still not great from us but an improvement. Hopefully there'll be further improvements with (a) better CM & (b) Rooney (and Januzaj) also in the side.
 
Stoke City - 1/2/2014

Like Kagawa on the left, playing the way we do isn't going to bring the best out of him playing on the right.
 
2 games, 2 assists. Thought he played quite well but as I feared when he signed, he and rest of the attack still not being used right. Doesn't matter where he plays in that 3 behind the striker, it's still one dimensional, chuck it out wide, hoof it forward stuff. Release the shackles.
 
Mata: "Throughout my career I have played on the left, on the right and just behind the striker."

- Heatmap v Fulham:

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- Mata's average position v Fulham:

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- Compare that to Valencia v Swansea:

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- Stats from last season show Mata was more productive per game on the right:

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- The number of appearances in each position in the last four season's:

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In the last four season's he has played the majority of games on the left or right. He has rarely played as #10. The graphics show Mata can play on left or right and that he doesn't hug the touchline.
 
The heatmap v Fulham is misleading as he did play behind the striker when Januzaj came on for Fletcher and Rooney moved into midfield. He then moved to the left later on when Hernandez came on for Young.
 
Crystal Palace - 22/2/2014

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He's become so important to the club in such a short time. We will miss him in the champs league.
 
That ball to Adnan in first 10 mins against WBA on saturday which got Adnan booked was amazing. Some great skills we've seen from him so far with us, a joy to watch. Great clearance in defence aswell at 1-0 on Saturday too to stop Chris Brunt getting a tap in, and apparently this was a weakness in Mata's game. There's been a few times this season where Valencia hasn't done his job defensively.
 
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Ive been early impressed by Mata. Gets involved always looking for the ball.
 
Yeah, he has gave us a clear upgrade in quality. Next year he will further shine because the team will be built around him, Rooney and I guess RvP now.
 
Liverpool - 16/3/2014

He's class, but RvP or Rooney need to leave, otherwise his going to end up being pointless because he needs to play in the centre.
 
West Ham United - 22/3/2014

Moyes: "(Mata) came here to play in 2 or 3 positions. He was close to scoring on Saturday and has done well in all the games."
 
Will need to carry out defensive duties tomorrow, we'll soon see if Mourinho was right or not.
 
I think Mourinho exaggerated Mata's defensive failings. Oscar's qualities are ideal in the system employed by Mourinho.
 
Great for him to get his first goal, thought he worked well for first goal too (Rooney's header), defender followed his run and left Rooney in acres of space. Clever movement. Much better in the middle, don't care what anyone says. I'd stick with him there next season and Rooney ahead of him. I'm actually pretty happy with our forward options, seems likely some will leave though so signings may be necessary. Improving back 6 should be main priority though.
 
Great player. Would love to keep RvP but think its counter productive. He has to play and shoehorning Rooney, RvP and Mata into the same team is very hard.
 
Moyes: "I think Mata is popular with the fans and the players because everyone can see what a good footballer he is. I think he’s played well and really helped us and his goals were one of the reasons why we wanted to sign him. He’s always had a record of scoring goals and I thought he came very close against West Ham. There were signs that it was coming and, thankfully, he got his first today."
 
Newcastle United - 5/4/2014

Now here is a world class #10. Fantastic performance. That free kick! That dummy to sell Coloccini and Elliott for the 2nd! That backheel!!!!
 
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