In honour of Juan Mata’s move, here are the Premier League’s best Spaniards.
10. Ivan Campo – Bolton Wanderers 2002-08
Campo is mainly on the list because of his glorious afro and the infectious song bellowed out in his honour by the Trotters faithful.
Joking aside, Bolton managed to persuade a Real Madrid player to switch to the Reebok for six solid years that saw the club make it to a League Cup final as well as cement a place in the UEFA Cup. His style of play sometimes rubbed opposition fans the wrong way, but he was so popular that the Bolton fans still haven’t forgot him.
SEE ALSO: Best 11 Spaniards To Ever Play In The Premier League
9. Michu – Swansea City 2012 –
The midfielder-cum-striker may only be in his second season in South Wales, but his arrival at the club prompted the rest of the top flight to sit up, take notice, and scour Europe for other similarly bargain signings that can guarantee you 20 goals a season.
He was such a hit during his first term that the club decided to slap a £30m valuation on his head, and despite his injury problems this term he has still maintained a satisfying level of consistency.
8. Pepe Reina – Liverpool 2005 –
The former Barcelona graduate arrived to do a job and ended up becoming somewhat of a cult hero during a nine year spell.
Popular amongst players and fans alike, it’s still quite surprising that Brendan Rodgers decided to replace him and though he still technically belongs to the club, he is likely to bring the curtain down on his Anfield career by spending the season on loan with Italian side Napoli.
He has been linked with the soon to be vacant spot in between the sticks at Barcelona and could even play a more prominent role for Spain at this summer’s World Cup.
7. Luis Garcia – Liverpool 2004-07
Garcia arrived at Anfield as a bit part player from Barcelona, but quickly began to make a name for himself in the Premier League under Rafa Benitez, who had obviously had his eye on him during his time in charge of Valencia.
He was a staple part of the Liverpool starting XI during his first two seasons, and even helped the side to winning the Champions League and the UEFA Super Cup a year later.
He may have only spent three years at the club but remains a popular figure with many Reds fans paying tribute to him after announcing his retirement earlier this month.
6. David Silva – Manchester City 2010 –
Silva is not only one of the best players in the Manchester City squad, but in the entire Premier League too. Blessed with electric pace, a quick brain and a devastating dribbling ability, he was a key part of City’s Premier League success during the 2011-12 season.
Add an FA Cup to that list of honours he can be happy with a successful three years in the Northwest and he will undoubtedly play a major part in their assault to win the title back from neighbours Manchester United this season.
5. Mikel Arteta – Everton 2005-11, Arsenal 2011 –
It’s amazing that Arteta has never been called up to the Spanish national team after years of solid service to Everton. Sadly, his case may have been strengthened by some silverware, that proved so elusive during his time on Merseyside. But credit to him, he stuck with them for six years.
He has since been a lynchpin of the Arsenal midfield and will most certain make a meaningful contribution to any success they may have this season. At 31 he still has two or three years left at the top level and that will provide ample chance to add to his trophy cabinet.
4. Fernando Torres – Liverpool 2007-2011, Chelsea 2011-
Amongst all the jokes and jibes, it is easy to forget that at one point the Spaniard was a genuinely exciting force up front for Liverpool. Everyone was well aware of his ability when he joined the Anfield club and he didn’t disappoint by bagging 33 goals in 46 appearances in all competitions.
However, his career may have stalled in west London, but he still managed to find the back of the net 22 times last term and contributed to the club’s back-to-back victories in the Champions League and Europa League.
3. Juan Mata – Chelsea 2011-
The list wouldn’t have been complete without the man himself and at the time of writing is still a Chelsea player, where most are sad to see him leave.
Voted as the club’s player of the season last term, it’s astounding that Jose Mourinho has been willing to sacrifice him, especially as he has been reliable when called upon.
He will no doubt be a major help into getting Manchester United back to a level they were accustomed to, leaving Blues fans to cry into their cereal.
2. Cesc Fabregas – Arsenal 2003-11
Fabregas has been one of Arsenal’s most popular players over the past 20 years, and it is a testament to his character to see how fondly Gunners supporters still regard him.
At times he carried the club on his own shoulders, sometimes even when injured, but he never complained and just gave it his incredibly classy best.
He was a part of the last Arsenal squad to win some silverware and if things don’t drastically improve for him at Barca concerning his playing situation a return to the Emirates may not be an entirely crazy outcome.
1. Xabi Alonso – Liverpool 2004-09
During his time with the Reds he slotted into the midfield next to Steven Gerrard and the two went together like eggs and bacon.
Incredibly classy, exceptionally professional and a true gentleman to boot, it’s no wonder why he remains so highly thought of not just at Anfield but in the entire Premier League too.
He was tentatively linked with a move back to the Premier League during the January transfer window but opted to stay in Madrid instead and in doing so disappointed a whole legion of fans.
Like compatriot Luis Garcia, he was a bug part of Liverpool’s Champions League winning season and should he never win it again he will always have the fond memories of that night in Istanbul.