FIFA 15: 10 Highest-Rated Premier League Players Leaked

8. Juan Mata (87)

There weren't too many Manchester United players who covered themselves in glory last season but if there was one shining ray of hope it was the form of record-signing Juan Mata. The Spanish midfielder became United's costliest signing when he joined from Chelsea in the January transfer window for £37 million and rewarded his new side's faith by netting six goals in 15 Premier League appearances. Last season was a little topsy-turvy however for Mata, who spent half of the 2013-14 campaign on the bench and the other half banging in goals. He was largely unused by Chelsea in late 2013, making just 13 league starts and limited to substitute appearances. But at United he was unleashed from his shackles and showed what he is capable of by conjuring up a fairly-respectable return of goals earlier this year. Because of his off-again-on-again season, we think it's right that Mata retains his rating of 87 from last year's game. The Spanish international has neither progressed nor regressed over the past 12 months as his positive performances for United were scrubbed out by the fact he struggled to make the starting XI at Stamford Bridge before his move to Old Trafford in the New Year.
Contributor
Contributor

Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.