How does £40m target Mata compare to the rest of Manchester United’s midfield?

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Juan Mata continues to be linked with a move from Chelsea to Manchester United.

The latest reports have suggested that Manchester United could offer up to £40 million to sign Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata this month, but how does he compare to the other midfielders in David Moyes’ squad?

We’ve compared him to United’s current midfield stars across several different areas.

Goals

Mata hasn’t scored for Chelsea this season but then he’s been used inconsistently. It’s no surprise to see Januzaj as the highest scoring United midfielder because the side has looked to get possession to him quicker than several other stars across the middle of United’s team.

Assists

One of Mata’s main strengths is his ability to create and provide for others. While he has the same number of assists as Januzaj and Valencia, he’s got a better ratio having played fewer games.

Accurate Passes

There’s no much analysis that can tell us what we don’t already know in terms of Mata’s passing ability. His number is lower but that’s down to fewer games and substitute appearances. He’d be as prolific as anyone else across United’s midfield in terms of passing the ball around accurately and efficiently.

Ball Recovery

One of the apparent issues Jose Mourinho has with Mata is that he doesn’t do enough to win the ball back and these figures suggest the Portuguese coach may have a point. If United sign him, they’d have to play him with someone who is extremely effective in turning over possession in United’s favour.

Touches

Mata would certainly fit into the United midfield in terms of his movement and positioning. He makes himself available in key areas and while he may not do the defensive work, he opens things up on the counter attack and he’d also be useful when United are looking for a way to unlock the opposition defence.

image: © Ben Sutherland