Chelsea’s Juan Mata tips Roberto Soldado to impress at Tottenham

Juan Mata has backed Tottenham Hotspur striker Roberto Soldado to shine at White Hart Lane.

The 28-year-old striker has already scored two goals in three Premier League appearances for his new club following his club-record £26m switch to Spurs from Valencia.

Mata, who joined Chelsea in 2011, was a team-mate of the Spain international for one season at Los Che before opting to swap the Mestalla for Stamford Bridge.

The Chelsea playmaker effortlessly adjusted to the English top-flight despite concerns about his diminutive frame, and Mata expects Soldado to impress in the Premier League.

“I really enjoyed it when I played with him for Valencia and with the national team,” Mata told Sky Sports.

“I think that he is doing really well. Last season, he scored a lot of goals, and this season, he has started very well. He’s very good.”

Mata has also been joined by compatriots Álvaro Negredo and Jesús Navas in the Premier League after the pair moved to Manchester City from Sevilla.

“Personally, I’m very happy to see them here and to play against them every now and then,” he added.

“I think it’s very good for the league because they are top players – they can score, they can assist and change the game.

“For me Soldado, Navas, Negredo are friends – more than team-mates or rivals – so I’m very happy to see them here. I wish them the best but not when they play against us.”