AVB Eyeing Mata Reunion?

AVB Eyeing Mata Reunion?

Andre Villas-Boas was the one who brought Mata to the English Premier League from Valencia in the summer of 2011. That move was a masterstroke by Villas-Boas as Mata has been hugely successful in his two years at Stamford Bridge.

Villas-Boas’ association with Chelsea ended soon after it started and in came Rafael Benitez after Roberto Di Matteo had his 9 months in charge, and Benitez also succeeded in forging a strong relationship with Mata. The Spanish international has made a huge impact, and was one of Chelsea’s mainstay these last two seasons. He also picked up individual accolades in the form of the Player of the Year awards on both the occasions.

However, the arrival of Jose Mourinho back at Chelsea has not done the play maker any good. He has been out of favor with the former Real Madrid boss who has preferred the younger Kevin de Bruyne and Oscar ahead of the 25-year old. Mata has only managed to start 2 games this season in all.

This has sparked rumors that Mata’s time at Chelsea could be coming to an abrupt end. As a result, several clubs were linked with him in the latter stages of the Transfer window. Though no deal materialized, Mata is still tipped to quit Stamford Bridge in the near future and his failure to even make the bench against Fulham in the Saturday late game only emphasizes this possibility.

Monitoring this situation from close quarters is Villas-Boas, who is currently at the helm at Tottenham. The young manager already has a great relationship with Mata, and is interested in reuniting with him at White Hart Lane in January. Tottenham have already gone about splashing in excess of £100 million on new faces this summer which include the likes of Christian Eriksen, Erik Lamela and Roberto Soldado; in spite of that, Villas-Boas is keeping a close watch on the Juan Mata situation at Chelsea, according to Metro.

With Villas-Boas ready to pounce on any opportunity which arises, do you see a possible coup for him this January? Will he manage to reunite with Mata and possibly recreate a partnership with him? One thing is certain, the chances of this happening will get better the longer Mourinho keeps Mata out of the starting 11.