Juan Mata is a wrol cup winner with Spain (Getty Images)
According to the Daily Star, Unai Emery is closely monitoring Juan Mata’s form and might eye for a possible summer swoop if he feels that his team needs more experience.
The 30-year-old Spaniard has less than a year remaining on his current contract which is set to expire next summer. Manchester United have tried to persuade him to stay beyond the ongoing season but the Spaniard hasn’t shown interest in signing a new contract. (h/t Daily Star)
Juan Mata was one of the key players of the Valencia side that was managed by Unai Emery from 2008 to 2011 before the Spaniard completed a £37.1 million switch to Chelsea.
He had a successful stint at the Stamford Bridge where he helped the Blues to the UEFA Champions League, FA Cup and UEFA Europa League in successive seasons before joining rivals Manchester United. Although he has tasted considerable success at Old Trafford, he has been at the receiving end of some inconsistent team selection. As a matter of fact, he has made only three starts in the Premier League this term.
The recruitment of Fred this summer pushed Mata further down the pecking order at the club even though Jose Mourinho has found it difficult to accommodate either of them in the eleven on a regular basis.
To be honest, the 30-year-old hasn’t been in particularly good form this season. He is not the sort of player who has the ability to make an immediate impact off the bench. Mata is more likely to produce his best football when given a consistent run in the first-team.
With all due respect to his credentials, Mata is not likely to flourish under Unai Emery at Arsenal. He is one of the best creative midfielders in Europe but Mata will find it difficult to adapt to Emery’s pressing philosophy.
The 30-year-old has the ability to light up the stadium with his creative play but he doesn’t do a lot without the ball. In other words, his movement off the ball is not up there with the very best. It has been quite evident from his performances this season as well. He played well against Newcastle when United dominated the possession but found it difficult to get into the game against Chelsea where the Red Devils lagged behind in terms of possession.
Furthermore, he is not particularly good at pressing the opposition higher up the pitch. In fact, Mesut Ozil’s case should be a perfect example for Arsenal why they should avoid signing Juan Mata. Ozil, who is an excellent creative midfielder, struggled to adapt to Emery’s philosophy in the earlier stages of the season.
This pressing philosophy not only demands the players to close down the spaces quickly in the midfield but also lays emphasis on ball retention. That is exactly why someone like Granit Xhaka found it difficult to acclimatise to the style of play.
Aaron Ramsey might be nearing the end of his time at Arsenal but Juan Mata is certainly not the best replacement for him. Still only 30, it will be harsh to say that he is past his prime, but to be honest, he has slowed down a bit.
Hence, Unai Emery should reconsider his decision and look at other options as a replacement for Ramsey. Mata might have been a successful player at Valencia under his management but he is not likely to reach the same heights at Arsenal.