Mata

[Mostar]

Impressed with those compilations. Especially the one against Read Madrid. He looks like a very neat and tidy player. Excellent control. Good passing. Two footed. Very unselfish. Based on those vids he reminded me of Iniesta a little bit. I love the way he's constantly moving, looking to give his team mates an option. And he rarely seems to squander possession.

Would he improve our first team? No doubt about it. 23, with plenty of time to improve as well.

Hazard would be my dream signing for this summer. But I'd be really pleased if we got this guy. 18 - 22 million euros? What's that, like £18 million max? That's the going rate for a good attacking player these days.

Looks very good, doesn't it? Amazing ball control, great vision, very good movement with and without the ball, top notch dribbling skills etc.

I really like him and if we miss out on Hazard imo he'd be well worth our money.

[Mostar]

Good stuff.

We probably pay too much attention to formations and systems tbh.

At the end of the day, if there's quality players on the pitch they should be capable of adapting to whatever formation/system.

Just think we could still do with at least one genuine winger.
- Like if we signed Mata and Downing, that would be pretty good business.

Not bad at all Rudo

[RedSince1964]

Looks very good, doesn't it? Amazing ball control, great vision, very good movement with and without the ball, top notch dribbling skills etc.

I really like him and if we miss out on Hazard imo he'd be well worth our money.

Not being to greedy but, why just settle for one

[Pablo]

Looks very good, doesn't it? Amazing ball control, great vision, very good movement with and without the ball, top notch dribbling skills etc.

I really like him and if we miss out on Hazard imo he'd be well worth our money.

Out of interest why do you rate Hazard higher than Mata?

[Mostar]

Not being to greedy but, why just settle for one

[anfieldanfield]

If we had...

--------Carroll
Suarez-Gerrard-Mata

Then Kuyt & Downing could cover any of the positions with a bit of a re-shuffle.

[James P]

he can play left, right or in the middle behind the striker or a striker.

doesn't mata.

I'm not keen. It's not that I'm anti-Mata, I'm just not convinced.

[SimonNo7]

Mattshark does not agree

Surely he does, I mean he's not British or playing in the Premiership and he's one of the 'names'

[Chrono]

Out of interest why do you rate Hazard higher than Mata?

Very different players but I definitely rate Hazard higher. I think Hazard could become one of the best in the world where as Mata is just very good.

[Zapater]

I've seen him play just about every week since he's made his debut when Valencia had that horror season when Koeman replaced Quique in the first few months. He was absolutely brilliant in that season once given the opportunity. He's a class operator that's for sure. I do think he's raw and needs quite a bit of work to fulfil his potential but if he's available we definitely should sign him as he has a lot to his game. He is very good as I say but he does have a lot of up and down moments.

He's naturally a second striker. That's clear. He's not a playmaker or attacking midfielder. He likes to drop into the space a little deep but he's definitely a forward. When he plays on the left he makes a third forward but jut leftwards if you get me, although he can offer a bit of width when he does so.

He has played on the right a few times this season and it's had mixed results. I definitely think he slots in better uptop or on the left but it's an option which can be used especially cutting in with his left foot. I've heard quite a few people commenting (Graeme Hunter more than most) that in training he looks twice the player he does in the games banging in goals for fun. So if he can improve he'll be one of the better players around.

The right kind of player. I wouldn't be surprised if he decided to stick around at Valencia for another season or two though. With Villa gone they've put the eggs in his basket to be the main man. He might feel he wants another crack in the CL with them.

[Mostar]

I've seen him play just about every week since he's made his debut when Valencia had that horror season when Koeman replaced Quique in the first few months. He was absolutely brilliant in that season once given the opportunity. He's a class operator that's for sure. I do think he's raw and needs quite a bit of work to fulfil his potential but if he's available we definitely should sign him as he has a lot to his game. He is very good as I say but he does have a lot of up and down moments.

He's naturally a second striker. That's clear. He's not a playmaker or attacking midfielder. He likes to drop into the space a little deep but he's definitely a forward. When he plays on the left he makes a third forward but jut leftwards if you get me, although he can offer a bit of width when he does so.

He has played on the right a few times this season and it's had mixed results. I definitely think he slots in better uptop or on the left but it's an option which can be used especially cutting in with his left foot. I've heard quite a few people commenting (Graeme Hunter more than most) that in training he looks twice the player he does in the games banging in goals for fun. So if he can improve he'll be one of the better players around.

The right kind of player. I wouldn't be surprised if he decided to stick around at Valencia for another season or two though. With Villa gone they've put the eggs in his basket to be the main man. He might feel he wants another crack in the CL with them.

[DannyMan2006]

Class player and I think he's the sort of signing that would excite the fans and show which direction we are going. I hope we sign him.

[Arn]

Class player and I think he's the sort of signing that would excite the fans and show which direction we are going. I hope we sign him.

Mata or Young? Mata every day of the week. Young isn't half the player Mata is.

£20m for him would be a steal.

[Tee]

Mata or Young? Mata every day of the week. Young isn't half the player Mata is.

£20m for him would be a steal.

Totally agree. Young is overhyped and whilst he is decent I am not convinced he can go on and become world class. Mata on the other hand can.

[Rudo]

Mata or Young? Mata every day of the week. Young isn't half the player Mata is.

£20m for him would be a steal.

Mata and Suarez in a free role behind Carroll?

Need 3 strong centre midfielders behind them, but on paper it looks exciting.

Then you've the likes of Kuyt, Maxi and possibly Downing to operate in the wide positions. More variety and options.