Description
Juan Mata is a Spanish international footballer who joined Chelsea in 2011. He primarily plays as a left winger, but can also play as a midfielder. Mata is known for his speed and dribbling ability. Mata made his Chelsea debut on August 27, 2011, scoring the final goal in a 3-1 win over Norwich City. Mata has 12 senior caps for Spain, and captained Spain to victory at the 2011 European Championships.
Mata became the third Spaniard to join Chelsea in 2011, following international team-mate and fellow World Cup-winner Fernando Torres and Oriol Romeu, who arrived from Barcelona earlier in August 2011.
Primarily a left-winger, he can also operate down the middle and has outlined his desire to adapt quickly to English football. Yossi Benayoun's anticipated departure, eventually to Arsenal on loan, freed up his favoured number 10 jersey. He certainly looked at home on his debut, appearing as a substitute against Norwich City and slotting home the final goal in a 3-1 win on August 27, 2011.
Pre-Chelsea: Mata is the son of a former professional, Juan, who represented Burgos and Salamanca. Juan Jr began his career in Real Madrid's famed Academy as a striker, but was allowed to move to Valencia in the summer of 2007. In his first season he gradually played his way into the side, and appeared at Stamford Bridge as a substitute in a Champions League dead rubber. At the end of the season he scored in the Copa Del Rey final, and was voted the club's Young Player of the Year.
After four years at the Mestalla, in which he scored 43 times in 179 appearances, Mata spoke with Andre Villas-Boas and was convinced Stamford Bridge was the place for him despite interest from other clubs. International
Juan was a part of the Spain squad that won the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, having made his debut in 2009. He made one appearance as a substitute during the tournament, replacing Fernando Torres. Upon signing for Chelsea he had 12 senior caps, but is also an experienced Under 21 international, and captained Spain to glory at the 2011 European Championships, being voted into the Team of the Tournament.
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