Juan Mata is showing clear signs that he is adapting to Jose Mourinho's style of play, says Petr Cech.
Mata, sidelined for the start of the season as Mourinho demanded a more rounded team performance from the midfielder, put in a game-changing substitute performance at White Hart Lane this weekend – setting up an equaliser.
Cech says he is delighted that his team-mate, twice player of the season at Chelsea, is finally fitting in to the returning boss' plan for Chelsea.
“It's great to see,” said the goalkeeper. “Obviously we have a new manager and he is asking him to do slightly different things.
“As a player you have to make sure the manager is happy with you and have the right reaction to show that you deserve to be on the pitch.
“It was fantastic to see that Juan had the right reaction. He got his time at Swindon and again against Tottenham. He is doing his best and that's great to see.”
Cech also pointed out that while many have concentrated on Mata's style of play as an issue, there is also the major issue of fatigue for over-worked players.
“The problem is as well that at the start of the season, the Spanish guys came from the Confederations Cup,” he said.
“The Brazilian guys were a bit limited by that as well. More time has gone by and everyone is starting getting in there and looking much fitter and sharper.”
