Chelsea’s Frank Lampard praises Juan Mata for showing ‘right attitude’
Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard hails Juan Mata for showing the "right attitude" after falling out-of-favour in recent weeks
Frank Lampard has hailed “vital” Juan Mata for the Spaniard’s attitude since falling out-of-favour at Chelsea.
Blues manager Jose Mourinho, who returned to the west London side in June, has only started the playmaker in two of their six Premier League games this season.
However, Mourinho turned to Mata with Chelsea trailing 1-0 at half-time against Tottenham Hotspur and he repaid his manager with an assist for John Terry’s equalising goal.
And Lampard has been impressed with the club’s back-to-back player of the year Mata.
“He played well, linked the play, put in the ball for the goal,” said Lampard.
“He has been a vital player ever since he came to the cub.
“His attitude has been first class. Every player understands there is a lot of competition, especially in midfield.
“If you are not playing, and we have all been there, you have to stay and train well, keep the right attitude. Juan has done that.”
Mata has scored 18 goals in 72 Premier League appearances for Chelsea after the Spain international moved to the Blues in a £24m deal from Valencia in 2011.
