The history between Juan Mata and Jose Mourinho was always too strained to be swept under the carpet as many suggested after the recent mollycoddling nature of Mourinho’s comments on the player recently. Though Mata is said to be determined to fight for his place, the recent substitution of the player in the Community Shield game against Leicester has again got tongues wagging. Mata was brought on in the 63rd minute but substituted for Mkhitaryan at the wee end in what would have caused expected embarrassment to the Spaniard. Though Mourinho termed the move as purely tactical but his view of Mata being the shortest guy on the pitch (they were expecting long balls to be pumped into the penalty box with the Foxes looking to desperately equalize) holds little comfort when the player he was brought off for, being only 3 inches taller than him.
We look at 3 clubs where the World Cup winner will likely get his due.
EVERTON
Ronald Koeman has been unsuccessful thus far in his quest for attacking reinforcements. Mata will surely take quite a bit of load off Barkley and Lukaku as he brings goals as well as assists with him having scored 10 goals for Man United the past two seasons. With Everton looking to build a team which would be able to challenge the top 6 at least the experience and skills of Mata would be more than welcome for them. The Spaniard will surely relish being a marquee player after a long time and the chance to express himself along with the man who gave him his first professional title at Valencia.
LEICESTER CITY
Ranieri’s first and foremost concern would be not to lose any more players to their rivals in the current transfer window. But there is a possibility of Mahrez being lured by Wenger to Arsenal. He would know the daunting task ahead of his team who will be entering the virgin territory of the Champions League. And experience aligned with proven world-class pedigree is welcome at any team. Mata would bring both and the prospect of playing Champions League will appeal to the player. Mata can slot into the playmaker role for the Foxes and also take up the right-wing role in the case of Mahrez leaving for the Gunners.
SUNDERLAND
David Moyes took over at Sunderland after Big Sam rumbled off to rescue England football from its dire straits. Moyes can attempt to bring in one of his favourite charges from his time at Manchester United, with attacking reserves in short supply at the Stadium of Light.
It will be a big statement from the club and the gaffer can proceed to build his team around the former Chelsea star. The transfer would be an extremely ambitious one but together Moyes and Mata could guide the club to their desired level of stability.
