Comparing Juan Mata's 2014/15 Stats to His 2013/14 Numbers

Juan Mata's numbers do not look as good this season as they did last, but as is so often the case, statistical appearances can be deceiving.

The headline figures are pretty simple. This campaign, in 1903 minutes of Premier League football, he has scored eight goals and provided four assists. In the 1231 minutes he played in the league for United last time out, he scored six and, again, provided four assists.

This means that, per minute on the pitch, Mata's productivity has slowed, from direct involvement in a goal every 123.1 minutes to a direct contribution every 158.5 minutes.

There are other areas where his numbers are less impressive, too. Assist figures can be misleading because, of course, it relies on people to finish the chances you create. That is not the case here. Mata is, indeed, creating fewer chances on average. Last season he averaged 2.4 key passes per game at United. This season it is just 1.4, a very significant drop.

He is also averaging less involvement, 42.9 passes per game, compared with 56.5 last season, although he is completing a fraction more of those passes—89.9 percent accuracy, up from 89 percent, both highly impressive figures.

Jon Super/Associated Press

He is running with the ball slightly less—0.9 dribbles per game has dropped to 0.6.

However, it can easily be argued that, in spite of all of this, Mata has actually been much more important to United this season than he was last.

The Red Devils' season was not quite over by the time Mata arrived in January 2014, but it was all over bar the shouting. Mata's arrival provided a lift in mood and a sense of optimism but otherwise had little bearing on the course of David Moyes' United career.

Mata's goal contribution made much less difference than it has in '14/15. His six goals were scored across four games—against Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Norwich City and Southampton, all of whom finished below United. In only one of those four games did Mata's goal have a definitive impact on the result, the 1-1 draw with Southampton.

This time around, he has scored in games of considerably more importance. He scored both home and away against Liverpool and scored in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford—games of tremendous significance both emotionally and in terms of United's league position.

Jon Super/Associated Press

Of his eight goals, half have come in games where they have had a direct impact on the eventual result (wins with a one-goal margin or draws). Of his four assists, two have been for goals which brought about winning margin of one goal. Those games total 13 points earned by United, a substantial contribution.

This season has also seen Mata used in a variety of roles. For much of the campaign he was playing as a No. 8 in the heart of United's midfield. He seemed a little lightweight in that role, too easily shoved off the ball, especially away from home. It also limited his direct contribution to United's goal tally.

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

Mata fans were optimistic when it looked like he would have a spell at No. 10 during Wayne Rooney's suspension, but Louis van Gaal adjusted United's system and played a 4-1-4-1 for two of those games, and the former Chelsea man was unable to make much of an impression against either West Bromwich Albion or against his old club.

However, six months on from that and things are looking much rosier, for both Mata and United. Van Gaal has settled on a 4-3-3 system, and Mata's particular abilities have been vital to its effectiveness. Playing as a false right-winger—copyright Van Gaal— Mata has been heavily involved.

From United's win against Tottenham Hotspur onwards, the Spanish playmaker has been on fire. His two goals against Liverpool formed part of an all-round performance which could aptly be described as a masterclass. His 91 touches were more than any other United player. His pass accuracy exceeded 90 percent. He scored what will surely be United's goal of the season.

Jon Super/Associated Press

The last five games may well represent the best run of form United have had since Mata arrived, and the same could be said for the player himself. His combination play with Ander Herrera on United's right flank has been a joy to watch.

If both he and the team can keep this up next season, his 2015/16 numbers could end up looking pretty sweet.

All advanced statistics per WhoScored.com.