FA Cup Final 2012: Chelsea's Juan Mata Shows Best Is Yet to Come

Juan Mata led Chelsea FC to a thrilling 2-1 victory over Liverpool FC in the 2012 FA Cup Final, and he's just starting to tap into his full potential as a leader for the Blues.

Mata was brilliant in this contest, masterfully controlling the tempo in favor of Chelsea's offense and helping the Blues make the most of their limited chances.

Some credit certainly goes to Petr Cech for his brilliant play at the goal. He made seven saves in the contest and faced five more shots than his opponent Pepe Reina while only allowing one goal to Reina's two.

Chelsea only took four shots on goal against Liverpool, yet they managed to score on two of those attempts. Some might say that they got lucky because they didn't take enough shots, but to me they won the game was because they knew how to play at their own pace.

Mata controls the pace out there on the pitch with his creativity and quick thinking, and his performance in the FA Cup Final proved to be one worthy of a standing ovation.

He relied on his quickness and speed to outmaneuver Jay Spearing all game long, and his timely assist to Ramires was a thing of beauty.

After the game, Mata talked about the chance Chelsea has to continue their winning ways going forward, via the Daily Mail:

"

It's my first FA Cup and I wish to win four or five like them. It was an amazing day for me...We won the first final and we have another great chance to win another title, the most important in Europe, and we are all looking forward to playing this game...We were still fighting for a title, we achieved this one, and we have the possibility to win both. Chelsea never give up

"

Mata is just starting to come into his own as a major player on the world's biggest stage. He shows maturity beyond his years in the way he plays the game.

Chelsea's hopes of winning a second time in a row against Liverpool depend on Mata's continued excellence. 

Have no fear. His best days are surely still in front of him. 

Follow @JesseReed78