Biography of My Idols

Name:	Juan Mata
Nationality:	Spanish
Date of Birth:	28/04/1988
Height:	5' 7" (170cm)
Weight:	9st 8lbs (61.0kg)
Previous
Clubs:	Valencia
Position:	Striker

Chelsea career

Mata became the third Spaniard to join Chelsea in 2011, following international team-mate and fellow World Cup-winner Fernando Torresand 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 in late August.

That positive performance has been consistently replicated throughout his first season in English football, with 11 goals notched up by the end of March, including a crucial away goal in Naples, a winning penalty against QPR in the FA Cup and a stunning volley against Manchester United in early February.

The mercurial Mata has certainly made himself a fans' favourite, and a recent switch to a more central role in between the main striker has allowed him greater licence to roam and create from a central position. His importance is evident by the fact he has missed just one game since December, remaining a constant in the team under both Andre Villas-Boas and Roberto Di Matteo.

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 convincedStamford 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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