Mata relishes set-piece dual with Luiz at Chelsea
Juan Mata says he is happy to share responsibility for the taking of free kicks with teammate David Luiz after the two players both netted from dead balls in consecutive matches. Following Mata’s curling winner in a 2-1 victory against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium last weekend, Tuesday night saw centre-back Luiz net from the opposite side to help kill off the game against Danish side FC Nordsjaelland in the Champions League.
However, according to the Daily Mirror, Mata says there will be no issues on who takes the free kick and that it simply depends on the delivery’s position on the pitch.
“Who takes the next one depends on which side of the pitch we have it,” said 24-year-old Mata, who has already scored four this season in an impressive start to the campaign. “If it’s for a left-footed player, it will be me. If it’s on the other side, maybe David, or someone else.”
Indeed, Mata went on to add that with the departure of regular free-kick taker Didier Drogba from Stamford Bridge, he hopes a competition emerges between the free-kick takers at the club.
“Of course, Didier has gone, so I hope there is a contest between us over who scores the most goals,” Mata said.
European champions Chelsea remain unbeaten in the Premier League and following their victory at the Emirates, three points clear of Everton at the top of the table as they prepare to welcome Norwich to West London on the weekend.
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