Lampard- Mata similar to Silva

Last updated : 02 October 2011 By Team Talk

The England International claims the new winger has given Andre Villas-Boas' side a renewed energy after the boys from Stamford Bridge were criticised for being over the hill last season.

But since Mata's ?23.5 million move from Valencia, Lampard believes the 23-year-old has sparked the side into life, much like Silva has done at City.

He told The People: "He's definitely added a lovely dimension to our team.

"We had a very good unit but it's great to have someone with his sort of jinky creative ability that can offer something else.

"Juan's a little bit like Silva at Man City. He's got that similar quality and that is only going to improve us. He will get even better as well.

"The reception he got at Valencia in midweek shows what high regard they hold him in - and shows the player that he was and the person that he is. He will be massive for us."

And Lampard is adamant that Mata can adapt to the physical nature of the Premier League ahead of the trip to Bolton, saying: "Trust me, a player like Mata has the quality to play at Bolton, or anywhere.

"Maybe the more physical players around him have to fight the battle with Bolton but when you have got a player like Mata he can always unlock the door and that's priceless.

"Man United and Man City have flown out of the blocks in the Premier League but it is a very long season.

"We did it last year, we flew out of the blocks and then we hit an absolute brick wall - so you can't judge anything at this stage of the season."

Source: Team Talk

Source: Team Talk