Sleeper – Juan Mata

Our series of “Sleeper” articles, focussing on players who failed to live up to our expectations in the previous season, got underway with a look at Theo Walcott’s prospects earlier this summer. Next up, we turn our attentions to Juan Mata, who, in his first two seasons with Chelsea in the top-flight, cemented his place as one of the most consistent midfielders in the Premier League. Serving up 162 points in his debut campaign in 2011/12, the Spaniard stepped up another level the following year and, after a slow start, eclipsed Eden Hazard as the top scoring Blues midfielder by 212 points to 190:

The arrival of Jose Mourinho last summer changed all that, though. With the Blues boss opting for Oscar behind a lone striker, Mata struggled to make any impact from out on the right – starting 11 of Chelsea’s opening 22 league matches and emerging from the bench on a couple of occasions, he mustered a mere two assists, with his new manager somewhat critical of the playmaker’s work-rate.

From creative lynchpin to peripheral figure, Mata was offloaded by Mourinho in last winter’s transfer window as former United boss David Moyes turned to the Spaniard with arguably his last throw of the dice.

Whilst the new boy’s displays weren’t enough to save the Scot from the axe, they were, nonetheless, quick to capture our Fantasy attention. With his confidence restored from a consistency of starts, the record signing served up six goals, five assists and 15 bonus points in just 15 appearances to sign off the 2013/14 as one of the most in-form midfielders around.

The Prospects

Further analysis of Mata’s United stats bode well for the season ahead. From the point of his arrival in Gameweek 23, only two midfielders – Yaya Toure and Steven Gerrard – scored more often. Toure notched nine times, with four spot-kicks boosting his tally, whilst six of Gerrard’s eight strikes over the period were also as a result of converted penalties. In terms of goals from open play, then, Mata was joint-top with Raheem Sterling amongst midfielders during that period.

The arrival of Louis van Gaal has enhanced the Spaniard’s Fantasy prospects over the summer. With United now lining up in a 3-4-1-2 formation, Mata has been handed his preferred role in “the hole” behind a front two and has scored twice during his side’s unbeaten US tour.

Mata’s arrival at Old Trafford looks to have finally afforded Fantasy managers a viable option in the United midfield. For two or three seasons now, the men in the middle have failed to make their mark and we’ve been forced to turn our attentions to Wayne Rooney or Robin Van Persie as the likeliest source of attacking returns but the little Spaniard’s Premier League record underlines that, if assured of a starting role, he will deliver – his 2012/13 tally of 212 points is still superior to Hazard’s high of 202, recorded last season. In spite of that, Mata comes in at 9.0 to the Belgian’s 10.0, suggesting he could be undervalued by FPL this time around.

The opening schedule is beneficial, too. United have been afforded the chance to quickly hit the ground running – showdowns with Swansea, Sunderland, Burnley, QPR, Leicester, West Ham, Everton and West Brom in the first eight Gameweeks could barely be more favourable and with Robin van Persie yet to feature in pre-season, Mata looks a strong double-up option alongside Wayne Rooney for those willing to splash the cash on the Red Devils from the outset.