In contrast, Mata has scored four goals this season. Since joining Manchester United from Chelsea in January 2014, Mata has often played out of position in a wide attacking area. However, United’s last league match against Stoke City saw the Spaniard return to his more favoured number 10 role just behind the main striker. He excelled in that position as United ran out emphatic 3-0 winners. After the game Van Gaal took note of Mata’s performance stating that “he was participating in all three goals so that is what I like to see.” He went on to say that he has to “prove it every game, every training and then you play. When he [Mata] plays like this, I cannot say to him ‘go to bench'”.

The Spanish playmaker has three assists this term to Hazard’s two. Having scored more goals it comes as no surprise that Mata also has a better shots per game ratio (1.6 to 1.1). His shot accuracy is only marginally better than Hazard (48 per cent to 47 per cent).

Oulala’s stats show that in terms of successful passes, Mata has an average of five more passes per game than Hazard (40 to 35). Hazard has a pass completion rate of 84% but is yet again beaten by Mata who has registered 89 per cent.

Oulala’s figures show that the only area where Hazard comes out on top is in terms of key passes per game (2.2 to 1.2).

Both players have been rumoured with exits come the summer transfer window. Despite his dip in form, Hazard has long been linked with a move to Barca’s rivals Real Madrid. The Daily Mail reports that Barcelona manager Luis Enrique is keen on signing Mata in the summer. Will Hazard find his form again against United and can Mata earn his place as a consistent number 10?

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