Chelsea FC: Juan small Mata for the Blues

As I flicked through the transfers I was surprised by two things:

A) Titus Bramble has not been snapped up by Manchester City, and
B) Chelsea’s attitude to spending on the youth.

Since Andre Villas-Boas was appointed Chelsea manager, he has no doubt reached his objective of decreasing the average age of the squad. And with yesterday’s news of Juan Mata agreeing a five-year-deal, it goes to show that AVB isn’t just bringing in any young player, but highly rated ones. Being a Chelsea fan for many a year, it was nice to see such fresh faces on the ‘transfer in’ column instead of the likes of Juliano Belletti, Juan Sebastian Veron, Mineiro and Yossi Benayoun; all arguably bought in for their experience. But now it’s as good a sight as Liverpool getting relegated; Thibaut Courtois, Romelu Lukaku, Oriol Romeu, Lucas Piazon… ahhh b-e-a-u-tiful.

And with Juan Mata’s name being added to the list, the future’s looking as bright as Easy Jet hostesses. But there’s one problem, a good problem all be it, it’s just I can’t help but think: Will Juan Mata start and if so where?

Many people seem to think he can partner Daniel Sturridge upfront with Fernando Torres playing through the centre, but surely Lukaku is too good for the bench and Florent Malouda has already shown his worth in the first XI this season. Some may leave Torres out and put Lukaku up top, but even if the Spaniard’s name isn’t on the score sheet as often as it should be, you can’t leave a player of his calibre out.

So, it seems Chelsea are a bit like Katie Price; top heavy. Maybe some transfers out in the attacking department will benefit the Blues? Salomon Kalou, Didier Drogba, Benayoun for instance? Even a loan back out for Sturridge may reduce the constant changes.

This though is left for AVB to sort out. Will Mata bring the pace and creativity Chelsea crave in midfield? He is a brilliant signing none-the-less, but who would you start with?

It seems it’s only a Mata of time before the Blues bring home the Champions League and become the number Juan side to beat.

by Aaron Aquilina
Prem-de-la-Prem