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Juan Mata's top five Chelsea moments

With reports linking him with a move to Manchester United, we take a look at Juan Mata's best five moments in a Chelsea shirt.

The majority of Chelsea supporters will probably be scratching their heads right now as they attempt to digest the speculation that their manager Jose Mourinho is prepared to part with Juan Mata in order to land Wayne Rooney.

While Rooney's ability is in no doubt, the pint-sized Spaniard has been arguably Chelsea's best player since his arrival from Valencia in 2011.

Whether the deal is sanctioned, only time will tell. In the meantime, here are five of Mata's best moments in a blue shirt.

Scoring on debut

Signed as a World Cup winner from the previous year and costing £24m, a lot was expected of Mata. The playmaker gave an indication of what was to come on his debut when he capitalised on an error from the Norwich defence to curl the ball into the net in stoppage time.

Man of the match in FA Cup final

Mata had played a key role in helping Chelsea reach the 2012 FA Cup final and he went on to star as they lifted the trophy. It was he who set up Ramires for the opening goal, before the Blues went on to record a 2-1 victory over Liverpool.

Shining in Champions League final

Winning the Champions League is considered to be the pinnacle of a player's club career. He may have missed his penalty during the shootout (it didn't end up costing Chelsea), but his performance during the 120 minutes was highly praised. It was his corner that Didier Drogba headed in to force extra time.

Important goal at Old Trafford

Chelsea's hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League would have been hanging by a thread had they not have taken maximum points from their trip to Old Trafford in May. They did and thanks to Mata, who saw his late strike beat compatriot David de Gea in the United goal. Perhaps they will be teammates soon?

Setting up Europa League winner

It may not have been the trophy that Chelsea had wanted at the start of the campaign, but nonetheless they found themselves in Amsterdam in the middle of May contesting the Europa League final against Benfica. The match appeared to be heading for extra time at 1-1, but Mata floated over a corner in injury for Branislav Ivanovic, who headed in the winner.

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Liam Apicella
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