Why Manchester Utd Midfielder Juan Mata Is Ideal Transfer for Atletico Madrid

You have to feel a little bit sorry for Juan Mata; the midfielder arrived in England back in 2011 and has shown a consistency that many players can only dream about.

He won the FA Cup, Champions League and Europa League with Chelsea in his first two seasons.

On a personal note, he was named the team's best player in both campaigns, scoring 37 goals in the process for club and country, via ESPN FC.

The playmaker looked happy and settled in London, but then manager Jose Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge, and his career was turned upside down.

It's because of purely tactical reasons why Mata has endured such a disappointing 18 months.

Perhaps it would be easier for the Spaniard to accept if it was down to his ability or attitude.

But the player has continually proved that he has all the necessary attributes to succeed in top-level football and takes playing for the world's best sides in his stride.

There's also no question about his temperament. Despite his poor treatment in recent times, he hasn't complained to the media but simply tried to do his job.

He left for Manchester United last January, and his signing was meant to be the catalyst for a new era post-Sir Alex Ferguson.

The club has continued to bring in players of a similar standard, but rather than build around his capability, they appear to be replacing him.

Former manager David Moyes' offer of a lifeline at United was bittersweet, with the manager already facing huge amounts of scrutiny and unsure how to get the best out a natural No. 10.

Then there's current manager Louis Van Gaal. With Wayne Rooney announced as skipper and the transfer of Radamel Falcao, it's Mata who will be left out in the cold.

"In [Rooney's] position Juan Mata has played very well," Van Gaal explained in a press conference last week, per ESPN.

"I will miss Wayne because he is the captain of the team but Mata can also play very well."

It's not a ringing endorsement, but it's a sign that he will use Mata when there's a requirement.

In his last 12 appearances in the league for the Red Devils, he has scored eight goals, via ESPN FC.

There will certainly be no shortage of suitors for Mata if he does leave Old Trafford in the near future.

Atletico Madrid are rumoured to be preparing a bid in January, according to Chisanga Malata of the Daily Star, and the Spanish champions would be an ideal destination for Mata.

Manager Diego Simeone's philosophy isn't that different from Mourinho's, as illustrated by the ease with which Diego Costa has adjusted to life in the Premier League.

They both like to move the ball quickly on the counter-attack and press initially before falling back into shape behind the ball.

The two managers aren't afraid to take the pressure off their players, and both value pace and power as important characteristics.

But there are subtle differences, and that's where Mata can capitalise.

Atletico is in need of a little more creativity in tighter matches, and Mata's lateral movement and eye for a pass in the attacking third would ease the burden on Koke and Arda Turan.

Mourinho wasn't prepared to give Mata time to adapt, as he had the more defensively minded Oscar at his disposal, and he needed the transfer revenue for the purchase of Nemanja Matic.

Having already delivered the Europa League, Copa del Rey and La Liga titles under difficult circumstances, Simone is secure within his role.

He could allow Mata the freedom to not only learn his approach but help the team become less predictable in an attacking sense.

A return to his home country might give Mata the adulation and security that his talent deserves.