Reading through a recent post published on EPL Index titled “Premier League 2011/12 – Top Creators & Their Positions” the top 2 chance creators last season were David Silva and Juan Mata for Manchester City and Chelsea respectively. Indeed, over the course of Euro 2012, one talking point was Spain’s consistent use of 6 midfielders. Juan Mata was often resigned to the bench (only appearing for the last 5 minutes or so of the final, scoring Spain’s 88th minute fourth goal) and David Silva, who scored twice in the competition and was a regular in the Spanish starting XI.
This leads me onto the theme for this article:
David Silva Vs Juan Mata
How do their Premier League statistics compare? Was Del Bosque wrong to ignore Juan Mata? How similar are they as players? What should we expect from them in 2012/2013?
On the surface, it’s already a very interesting comparison:
- They’re both Spanish internationals.
- They can both play as attacking midfielders, left or right wingers, or in a ‘centre forward’ role, behind a sole striker.
- They’re both set piece specialists, regularly taking their clubs’ corners and free kicks.
- They’re both predominantly left-footed.
Here is an out-and-out comparison of their key statistics, pulled from the EPLIndex Opta Stats Centre (Subscribe Now!) for last season’s Premier League:
The stats highlighted in yellow show it’s not just their personal attributes that are remarkably similar! –
- Goals? Both scored 6
- Total shots? Both on 55.
- Chance Conversion? Both 11%.
- Goal Assists (Set Plays)? Both on 6.
Maybe spookily of all:
- Chance Creation (Open Play Non-Assists): Silva 77 / Mata 63
- Chance Creation (Set-play Non-Assists): Silva 12 / Mata 26
- Total Chance Creation (Non-Assists): Silva 89 / Mata 89
Who they play for has had an arguably major impact on one stat:
- Mata sent in 105 more crosses than David Silva (236 vs. 131).
Drogba’s departure to China means Torres is now Chelsea’s main focal point of attack, so it’ll be interesting to see how Juan Mata adapts his game to Di Matteo’s tactics in 2012/2013. With Eden Hazard arriving, I think everyone expects to see Mata playing a more attacking central role, where he can find space, dictate play and look for goal or a killer through ball. A role very similar to how David Silva played at Manchester City last season.
Based on 2011/2012, there are some telling statistics that edge the argument towards David Silva, especially when it comes to keeping possession and helping the team out with defensive attributes:
- Silva made more 50-50 tackles on the ground (273 vs. 205).
- Silva made more total accurate passes (1822 vs. 1375).
- Silva had a higher pass completion (83.65% vs. 78.84%).
However, if we factor in the following:
- Juan Mata is 24 years-old / David Silva is 26 years-old.
- David Silva played more minutes last season (2817 vs. 2531) (Editors Note: This is the key – Juan Mata played almost 300 less minutes but matched David Silva on overall stats meaning his average is actually better than Silva’s).
- David Silva has 1 more year experience of the English Premier League.
This extra season could count for an awful lot.
A like-for-like comparison of Silva/Mata’s first seasons in the English Premier League paints an interesting picture too, with Mata’s stats more than holding their own (especially from an attacking perspective), when compared to David Silva’s first EPL season in 2010/2011.
So David Silva Vs Juan Mata? It’s a tough call and hard to pick between the 2 players.
But, on the basis of these stats, 2012/2013 will be Juan Mata’s season to really outshine David Silva in the Premier League.
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Categories: Chelsea, EPL Index Featured Article, EPL Index Player Profiles, EPL Index Statistical Comparisons, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester Utd, Tottenham Hotspur
Tags: Chelsea, Chelsea Stats, David Silva, David Silva Vs Juan Mata Stats, epl opta stats, EPL Stats, Euro 2012, Juan Mata, Juan Mata vs David Silva Stats, Man City Stats, Manchester City, Mata Opta Stats, Mata Stats, Opta Stats, Silva Opta Stats, Silva Stats, Silva vs Mata Opta Stats, spain
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Two things missed , silva has league winners medal and Mata doesn’t (these are league stats) also from Jan onwards Silva was playing with an ankle I jury just so it’s noted for a fair comparison!
Can’t argue with that. One thing that I had to add as an editor is that Mata had played less games but they’re both top, top players regardless.
Can argu with that, Silva is a much better all round player and the stats state that, learn to understand statistics and also show players weakenessed.
Mata is error prone to the hilt, Silva rarely ever makes an error what so ever.
Spain pick Silva because hes Merlin, not an apprentice like Mata.
Mata has a champs league medal. I know what I would prefer!!
Mata has a Champions League medal, Silva may never win that at City, while Chelsea can very well win the EPL.
it’s obvious that you are a chelsea fan and to be honest i think that silva’s statistics are better and silva can keep position not like mata who throws the ball to other players right away. it’s my opinion
I am neither a Chelsea fan or a Man City fan! I just find the comparison between 2 undeniably talented players very similar and interesting, especially after the Euros! Mata’s first season in the EPL was very good compared to David Silva’s first season too – now he’s had a year to adapt to the Premier League, I think he’ll be the key driver behind Chelsea’s efforts this season.
Let’s not forget that team form is a big factor. Manchester City were on top form for a lot of the season with many strikers converting chances, Juan is at a disadvantage here as his strikers as well as his midfielders couldn’t supply/convert for him as well as Man City players could.
Silva is one old in epl while mata is a new comer
I’ve got some stats on their first seasons in the EPL to go on here soon. As mentioned, Mata’s first season more than matches up to Silva’s.
The stats clearly say David Silva is much better than Juan Mata, how in the hell is it hard to pick when the stats state otherwise.
Lets see Mata take the Premier League by storm and help Chelsea win the Premier League this season, I bet you everything I have including my soul that despite the fact Mata is good that he does nothing spectacular.
There is a clear reason David Silva is ahead of him with Spain, because he is a better player by a long shot.
GOOD ARTICLE BRO.KEEP IT UP
Thanks mate.
Don’t think Silva has a champions league medal does he?
Dream on. Comparing the genius Silva to the ordinary Mata is an insult. Take your nose out of the stat books and watch matches. If you understand anything about football it really shouldn’t take long for anyone objective to see what I mean.
Sorry there was an image missing for the 1st season comparison. From there you can all see that Mata has had an impressive first season in the EPL and performed better than Silva did. Both finished outside of the top 3 in their first season in the league. Big season for Mata coming up then?
wat did mancity won on Silva first season in the epl ? & wat did mata won on his first season @ epl so mind d way u make ur comparision mata is more better if take a look @ the stat very well.300 mins less dan Silva
It’s hardly to say who is the better btw this 2 players as stats don’t lie, but silva is a year older than mata in term of epl experience and as a matter of fact both players are talented and gifted…… But their previous club performance stats shows mata is a better player to silva while both were playing in spain.(Pls do a research)
anyone can see that Silva is a class above Matta. He’s up there with Xavi and Iniesta to me. Three best players for Spain.
people misunderstand futball, cant they see the stats? silver is a bit beta haven spent 1yr in EPL b4 mata and well older dan mata, really they are = ,de bosque chooses david ahead of juan bcos h’s older bt he got 1 in mtchs while mata 1 in 5mins
Juan mata better than silve.mata his my choice.
Good article bro!!! Ver interesting comparisons!!! Undoubtably both are talented players!! Bt as a playmaker or attacking midfielder they hv 2 boost their scoring abilities!! Look at mikel arteta, he almost played as a second holding mdfielder bt he was able 2 score a lot of goals, about 8 goals if am nt mistaken!!! Silva plays behind a striker, he’s 2 learn 2 score!! Take ur memory back 2 our cesc fabregas? He was amaizing wth prenty assists and prenty goals too!!!!
For me the stat that does not appear is how hard Mata worked off the ball. Two great players, playing in very diffetently styles and with massively different talent levels around them. Silva was one of Cities better players in a team that kept possession far better. For me the stats show that Mata must be the better player when you look at what he had around him for the season and how far Chelsea were behind City in the league.
4 my own opinion silver more creative dan mata. up chelsea.
Thanks for a very interesting comparison of two great players. Either would make it into the first team of all Premier League clubs. Nevertheless I think Silva is the more complete player and his stats for defense illustrate the overall contribution he makes to winning possession so the team is then able to use it. I would also pick Silva over Mata in terms of intelligent movement and his presence and influence of team mates which you can’t really show with the data comparison of this type. Would be good also to see a comparison of this type showing John Terry vs Vincent Company
Juan mata is a genius,gem.he is better dan silva 4 sure.and also stat stated it clearly except u hv eyes u don’t c,silva played all d matches in euro,hw many goals did he net. Mata played jst five 2 seven minute and score a brilliant goal.can’t u c d goal he scored against arsenal.and his crossing help us 2 win champioms league 4 d first time.he also won chelsea player of d year.silva did nt won dat. Mata first season 2 trophy,while silva spent 2 season and won 1 trophy struggle and prayer of mata and chelsea fan. Mata 4 life.
Im a chelsea fan and obviously i love Mata over Silva but i think Silva is a better all round player.its hard to call really especially if you take into consideration the players which surrounded Mata(malouda,Drogba,Sturridge,kalou,etc) compared to Silva(Aguero,Tevez,Balotelli,Yaya,etc.).
Am neither a chelsea nor man city but with the comparisoms shown above i.e. mata being a new comer to england and even played lesser minute in both last premiership & euro 12 compared 2 sylva and both still hv almost same statistics, IT SHOWS THAT MATA IS BETTER SYLVA!
i no does pple saying dat silver is far beta dan mata are nt a football analys bcose only a futbal analys can tell u d best among them there are two key players of deir team. silver has stay upto 2yrs in england nw y mata is just a season.nd i want way did silver beta dan mata is it in assist or in goals name it nd u no dat city has more ball wrk dan chelsea intens of age silver is greater nt playing 4 spain does nt mean dat mata is nt gud bt depend on d type of player deir hv nd silver enter spain senior team b4 mata so of dan are gud,mata even win d chelsea best player of d year due to his performance lets wait 4 dis season to end nd no hu is beta
They’re both very fine player.just want to implore people not to be sentimental rather they should be objective.d statistics is there to follow.cant imagine someone calling Mata an apprentice.
Both players are talented,exceptional nd incredibly d best players in dia position wen it coms to premier league,as a chelsea fan,i no dat i am expected to stand on mata bt wen i no d truth,no need to hide it,mata is gud bt silva is better,dat dosent tek anytin away frm mata,silva helps defence,mata also help defence bt wen it coms to tackls silva has won d ball back on many occasion,silva has speed more dan mata,both r d sem in finishing,mata plays corner kick beter nd also play set piecies beter,both r gud players bt u cnt play both at d sem time bcos dey wil end up doing d sem tin,silva has d strenght to play while mata dosent hav all dat strenght,silva is sumhw a posesion keepa while mata throws possesion away bt not too often,mata is better dan silva wen it coms to placing d ball far net bt silva can tek shorts on hs own,without doubt comparing mata nd silva wil b hard for any individual bt luking genuinely into it,u wil c dat silva is a bit(small)better dan mata,dey r both tlentd nd gud team players,dey r sturborn wenever dey r wit d ball,mata made d differenc @chelsea nd silva also made d differenc @city bt mata did it wit selfish players lik malouda,sturidge,wile silva did it wit yaya,nasri nd order beter players around him,mata is less experienced compared to silva,mata is 23 going to 24 while silva is already 26,,both players r gud in my opinion bt wen it coms to big matches,silva meks d difference,in my own opinion,silva is beter dan mata wit litle qualities nd mata needs to keep working hard cos i believe he can grow to b beter,,,,,up chelsea d pride of london,,holla chelsea
mata vs silva, ronaldo vs messi inesta vs ozil, modric vs pirlo, mikel vs song, roony vs van persie, carrol vs lukaku they are all talented with differend abilities.
in my own opinion,I think mata is a better player than silva and I have my reasons. Sometimes stat is just not enough to know the better of two players.let’s face it silva is playing in a team where u have a lot of talented players who can produce magic…u have aguero, balotelli, dzeko, yaya toure and so on and besides this is not his first season compared to mata who instead of struggling to adapt to epl had a wonderful season….this is silva second season with man city and all he have accomplished is the epl compared to mata who in his first season won fA cup and champs league what more can u ask from a player in his first season.mind you silva is not even the player doing the work in man city rather it is yaya toure….man city is nothing without yaya toure he is the man not silva…achievement is better than stat
The players around Silva for Man City were much better than for Chelsea, if Mata had better team mates (he will – come next season) to help with the attacking aspect of his game, his stats would have been much better. Even so, two very good players. Its actually frightening to think that Spain can have awesome players like Silva and Mata on their bench and still dominate teams. WOW….
Mata better than Silva?!? Don’t make me laugh, Del Bosque is no fool, Mata is a very good player but he isn’t good enough to lace Silva’s boots
Well that’s a ridiculous thing to say. He’s very good but can’t lace his boots? He’s a top player that any club in the world would want.
The Same Way Del Bosque Picked Sergio Busquetts Over Arteta? I’m Getting You.
there’s no doubt that Silva is the better player, I’m a chelsea fan and love Mata but Silva is just a little bit more intellegent and composed on the ball. It’ll be interesting to see the comparison next year though, If anyone can equal or better Silva next year it will be Mata.
Mata is better, all these bandwagon City fans don’t really know anything. They never really had a good player in their team so obviously they would think Silva is the best player. I never saw him performed when City were struggling in matches, this had to be the most undeserving league title win I ever saw. Goal difference? That just meant you were lucky. Couldn’t even compete with an average United side. Pathetic.
I agree that David Silva is a SLIGHT bit better than Juan Mata. He has a little more experience and plays with with the Spainish national team more frequently. But they are very close in class. and I am a die hard Chelsea fan.
Good article. I am impressed by how much better Mata was than Silva in his first season, that was a big shock. If you look at the age difference if Mata makes the same sort of step up as Silva did from first season to second Chelsea are looking at a star. At 24 he is on the verge of the Spain side, but he’s not a tiki taka footballer. He’s more suited to a team like Madrid, where he would fit in the hole perfectly (if they hadn’t signed Ozil). Silva is a better player but I would love to have seen Silva at Chelsea and Mata at City because I think Mata may create more with the likes of Toure and Barry constatly giving him the ball around the area, and Aguero up front. Remember that Mata had Torres and Drogba to aim at, two players who last season had the movement of Heskey. Aguero to aim at would have been a dream.
“But, on the basis of these stats, 2012/2013 will be Juan Mata’s season to really outshine David Silva in the Premier League.” If You All Paid Attention To This Statement At The End Of The Write Up, And Stitch It With What We’ve Seen In The EPL This Season So Far, You’ll Agree That This Writer Is A Damn Good One. Not Just For The Fluency In His Write-Up, But Also For The Fact That He’s Been Able To Predict (Based On Stats) How Both Mata And Silva Will Turn Out Against Each Other This Season. You All Can Agree.
The Mata/Silva Argument Might Be One Of Those Arguments We Might Never Have A Definite Conclusion To, Seeing How Great Both Players Are, But Based On The Evidence This Season Has Given Us. Mata Edges Silva A Bit. Nuff Said.