Why missing out on Modric may not Mata for Chelsea
Both clubs have been involved in somewhat of a transfer quadrangle with Luka Modric and Juan Mata stuck in the middle. Whilst Chelsea have finalised a deal for Mata, Tottenham did also show a healthy interest in the Valencia winger. Another of this summer’s biggest stories has been Modric’s desire to leave Spurs for Chelsea with Daniel Levy at the Tottenham helm refusing any possible deal. But have Chelsea got the better deal in landing Mata but missing out on Modric?
Chelsea’s interest in both Mata and Modric has been well publicised but who is the better player? Last season Mata scored eight goals and made 12 assists and was the most impressive player outside the big two in La Liga. Despite impressing again last season for Spurs, Modric only managed three goals and three assists (a figure which he replicated the season before as well). But it is hard to compare the players solely on statistics. Apart from playing in two very different leagues, Mata and Modric are different types of attacking midfield players. Mata can be employed as a wide player, likely to fulfill that role perfectly in Andre Villas-Boas’ 4-3-3 formation. Modric on the other hand is an attacking midfielder best utilised in the centre where he can better dictate play and find pockets of space.
*
*
But even without considering the stats, I believe Chelsea have got the better deal this summer by snapping up Mata. The exciting Spanish international is the younger of the two at only 23-years-old (compared to 25-year-old Luka Modric) and so has plenty of time to continue to develop and adjust to the Premier League. Mata also shone at the recent European U21 Championships, playing a big part in Spain‘s success at the tournament. Mata being part of the Spanish national side in its present state is also a huge bonus for Chelsea.
Mata also looks to be the cheaper option for Chelsea as Spurs continue to reject bids for Modric of near £30million. Reports on the fee Chelsea have spent on Mata range from around £23-26million but if the former Valencia man can deliver, a fee cheaper than what Chelsea would probably have to pay if they stand any chance of singing Modric, will look like a very good deal for the Stamford Bridge side.
But whilst Chelsea looked to have snapped up a very good deal with Mata, where does this leave Spurs and Modric? Despite reports that Chelsea signing Mata was not putting the Blues off making a renewed bid for Modric, Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has insisted that he will stay and that Mata’s deal would kill off any further advances for Modric. But the speculation about a move and Tottenham’s insistence that he will not go has unsettled Modric and Spurs now risk not seeing the best of the Croatian if he does stay. Chelsea will now have the exciting Mata at their disposal, beating Spurs’ to the Spanish star in the process.
Whilst Mata’s future currently looks a lot clearer than Modric’s, Chelsea have made a strong signal of intent by signing Mata. For now Modric looks like he will remain a Tottenham player but Chelsea should not be too disappointed if they miss out on the Croatian as a deal of Mata could potentially be the best signing of the summer at Stamford Bridge.