Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho admits that Juan Mata is currently behind Oscar as the number 10 in the side, but has challenged the Spaniard to prove his worth.
Mata has struggled for game time under Mourinho since his return to Stamford Bridge and says that the Spain midfielder must adapt to the new style of play he has brought to the club.
"The way I'm reading the situation and the reasons why, in this moment, he's (Mata) not playing so much are things I can speak about with him but not publicly," Mourinho said.
"But he played against Everton from the start and you can analyse his performance. He came on against Basel when the team were winning 1-0 – not like Demba Ba or John Obi Mikel, who came on to rescue the game – with specific tasks to do.
"It's part of a process with him, too. It is one thing to play with Ramires and Oscar closing down opponents on each side, and Mata as a No.10, behind a striker with his clever assists, clever passes and fantastic actions because he has great talent.
"But it is another thing to adapt to the way we want to play. In this moment, Oscar is my No.10 and, if anyone tells me Oscar has not been Chelsea's best player this season, I'd have to disagree.
"I have to prove to the fans that I am good. Now (Mata) must do the same."
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