10 Jul 2016 18:11:58
Anyone else feel that Mata would thrive in the number 10 role, behind Ibra, with Mkhitaryan and Martial either side? All technically better players than he's been used to playing with recently, and would open up loads of space for him which he thrives in. I'd sooner have him there than Rooney TBH. I know he's likely to be sold though.
10 Jul 2016 18:58:27
I don't to be honest. I haven't seen Mata do much in the #10 position, the year's he shone at Chelsea they finished nowhere. He isn't suited to English football, far too slow and weak. He has also proven that he can;t be effective anywhere else either.
Granted he will likely play better with better players around him, but so would anyone. I think there are better #10's out there, far better. One good thing he brings is that he knows where the goal is and he does add a threat that most 10's don't, but it's not enough. Under LVG his first thought was backwards, I watched him carefully and he very rarely tried the difficult ball (the creativity has been drummed out of him) .
In saying all that, I'd have him every day of the week over Rooney in that position. At least Mata can control the ball and make a 10 yard pass.
10 Jul 2016 19:07:17
I agree with Beast. Mata is a very good and intelligent player. Unfortunately he is too slow and weak as he loses balls when challenged hard. That said he is definitely better than Rooney and more accurate. So I'd rather Mata than Rooney but think they both will not suit the the "specialist" team in the new season simply because both are too slow.
10 Jul 2016 19:16:03
Rather Rashford right with Mhkitaryan central.
10 Jul 2016 19:46:44
I doubt it, he struggled with Drogba in front of him and Hazard and Oscar eithet side of him. He hasn't really made the spot his own with us. In fact he hasn't made any spot his own.
I love the guy, but he doesn't consistently do enough to warrant a place in the side every week. Personally I think he would be best playing in Italy, I think the pace and style of the league would suit him.
10 Jul 2016 19:52:46
I agree he's not fast, and he was turning back slot, but don't you think that was due to LVG's instructions, keep the ball at all costs? With intelligent runners around him he would have slot more time on the ball, and his vision and passing ability would be perfect in a free role number 10. On a side note, does Greizman not remind you of a better, faster version of Maya?
10 Jul 2016 20:11:14
Nothing to do with LVG. He is just too slow and weak for PL. many a times I see he is too scared to commit a tackle and just let the ball go which frustrates me. He is probably too worried to be injured or just not committed enough. He should go to the slower Italian league.
That said he is still a very nice guy but absolutely nothing to do with LVG. Just don't suit PL that's all.
10 Jul 2016 20:36:16
Someone on here commented that Zlatan works at PSG because of the willing runners around him to make up for his lack of pace and mobility. With that in mind I don't think Mata will work as a 10 next year.
Will be eirher Rooney, Harera or Micky dependent on the team we are playing.