Why Chelsea Could Be Making A Mistake If They Let Juan Mata Leave

With whispers regarding Chelsea's Player of the Year from last season, Juan Mata, leaving the club to join La Liga side Atletico Madrid on a loan deal, it got me thinking about how important the Spaniard is to the Blues.

The rumours have come off the back of Jose Mourinho confirming a deal for Shakhtar Donetsk winger Willian has been agreed, and there now looks to be far too many options to be deployed behind the frontman.

Eden Hazard, Oscar, Kevin de Bruyne, Andre Schurrle, Victor Moses and Frank Lampard are all competing for a spot in the more attacking places, as well as Mata, but for me the latter should be the first name on the team sheet.

Last season the Spain international scored 20 goals in 64 games, which is an impressive tally for a midfielder. His creativity was the staple of Chelsea's third place finish, which his 95 chances created suggests, and to get rid of him would be absurd.

Mata is one of my favourite players in the Premier League, and I have no affiliation with the west London club. His impeccable technical ability complimented the flowing football that was played at Stamford Bridge last term, and although competition for spaces is higher this time round, the form he showed at the back end of last season is akin to that of someone at the top of European football.

And a loan deal? A loan deal?!

I hope, for Chelsea's sake, that this story doesn't transpire into anything.