He was our player of the season last year, with 23 assists, and 12 goals, completing a fantastic debut season since his £24m move from Valencia.
After understandably starting the season quite tired, and playing just 74 minutes of the Community Shield defeat to Man City, he was given a two-week break, to recover from his marathon season in 2011/2012.
The introduction of Victor Moses, and Eden Hazard, have taken some of the creative pressure off him, add Oscar into that mix too. However, many skeptics were keen to doubt whether Mata could replicate his great first season in Premier League football.
He came back into the mix versus Stoke. A poor game with little chances, but it was Juan Mata who came up trumps and delivered a killer blow, setting up Ashley Cole’s winner late on.
Four goals and four assists in the four games since he has been back, and after Eden Hazard’s electric start, Mata was keen to show that he wasn’t here as a passenger, in a season that Chelsea want to push for as many trophies as possible.
Juan Mata could easily be the catalyst for these trophies should they end up at Stamford Bridge, he is often overlooked and under-rated by many, as he has struggled to break into a Spain side that rarely use players in his position, but has managed six goals in the 19 caps he has taken, including one in the Euro 2012 Final annihilation of Italy.
You only have to look at the top players such as Santi Cazorla, and Jesus Navas, who as out-and-out wingers, will struggle to break into the Spanish side, but will perform to their peak at club level.
It will be interesting to see whether Cazorla can replicate Mata’s first season in the Premier League, but just as Arsenal are likely to be in Chelsea’s shadow, Mata will want Cazorla, firmly in his.
By Brad Smith
Follow @BrummieBrad
Arsenal are plotting to hijack a deal for Chelsea target Estevao Willian Chelsea and Arsenal…
Chelsea target Viktor Gyokeres provides a coy reply on his future Sporting CP forward Viktor…
Mauricio Pochettino talks about the development of Chelsea star Marc Cucurella After suffering a turbulent…
Chelsea won't appoint Antonio Conte if they decide to sack Mauricio Pochettino According to Football.London,…
Demba Ba backs Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson to continue his terrific form Former Chelsea striker…
Mauricio Pochettino says Chelsea season won't be successful despite their finish in Premier League this…