Chelsea’s Juan Mata was the EPL’s standout player in 2012-13; creativity allied with strength, brilliance and consistency.

Midfielder:  Chelsea

Juan Mata, the latest in the Spanish assembly line of MadSkliz midfielders, led the league with 12 assists. 

Mata pinged his passes all over the field, often surprising his own teammates.  Few players have so swiftly adapted to the EPL and then continued to improve.

Short and slight, the Spaniard seems at ease amid the physical mayhem, while his ability to not only create goals but score them too (he had 20 in all competitions) justifies his Chelsea nickname “Johnny Kills” (yes, it’s the English translation of his name but you gotta admit that it fits).

Flanked by Eden Hazard and Oscar, Chelsea’s passing carousel is the most beautiful to watch outside of Barcelona.