Juan Mata Transfer Rumors 2013: Ivanovic Confident Mata Will Get Playing Time

Despite being Chelsea's MVP last season, Juan Mata has found himself on the bench throughout the early part of the season.

The Spaniard recently revealed that he was getting back into shape after suffering an injury this summer, but this did not ease the negative buzz, as many have questioned why Mata has been starting matches on the bench if he was injured in most of Chelsea's matches. Blues defender Branislav Ivanovic has stepped in to quell the growing fire.

"He is a player who was one of the best in the last two years," Ivanovic said, according to Goal.com. "He came back late from the summer but he's had the time to work now. He's a guy who is really important for us and for the team.

"It's important for him to train hard, keep going and use every chance. I always said that, for me, Mata is one of the best-quality players in the league. He has a brilliant touch and he's a brilliant guy."

Many questioned whether there was any tension between new coach Jose Mourinho and Mata. The Portuguese manager is coming off a tough stint with Real Madrid in which he reportedly had clashes with Spanish players such as Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos. Many felt that the rivalry between the two Iberian nations was behind all of this and some speculated that Mourinho would carry over this rumored sentiment to his new club. In addition to Mata, the coach has left Spaniard Cesar Azpilicueta on the bench in the early going; the young defender was a first-choice player for former coach Rafa Benitez. However, Mourinho has given Spanish striker Fernando Torres playing time throughout the year despite his inconsistent form the last few years.