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Mata: I haven't reached my peak yet

Juan Mata has been exceptional for Chelsea this season © Getty Images

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Juan Mata insists he is yet to hit top form for Chelsea after scoring twice in their 4-0 Champions League victory over Nordsjaelland.

Mata's brace in Copenhagen on Tuesday meant he has now scored four goals and set up four more since his return from a fortnight's break.

The 24-year-old has strong competition for his place with the big-money arrivals of Oscar and Eden Hazard, but he says his form can continue to improve during his second season in English football.

He said: "I want to improve. I feel I can still do better. Maybe this was one of the best weeks for me. I played well against Stoke, then Wolves, then Arsenal and now this. I'm feeling very well but I want to feel better and improve as well.''

Mata is doubtless benefiting from the arrival of the likes of Hazard and Oscar, as well as Chelsea's new attacking philosophy. "It is a lot of fun to play in this shape, to play with players who like to play with the ball, quality players,'' he said.

"Last year, we won the Champions League and FA Cup, playing as we played. Now I think we can do it better, playing even better with Oscar, Hazard or whoever. All we can do is try to play our best but that is what we are doing.''

Mata's form almost demands the number 10 role behind Fernando Torres but he was more than happy to play either side of that. "At the moment I'm playing right side, which is good because it means I can cut inside on to my left foot,'' he said.

"When I play in the three behind the striker, I can look for freedom with the ball and help defending without the ball. It's important for all three of us to keep our positions.''

Tuesday night's scoreline flattered Chelsea, who could have easily thrown away the lead before netting three times in the final 11 minutes. Mata and Luiz both claimed the Blues' performance was the sign of a "mature'' team.

Brazilian defender Luiz said: "I'm excited with the team and the other players, not only the Brazilians. Now is a great moment. Top of the league, the Premier League, and top of the group now in the Champions League.''

The 25-year-old, who signed a new five-year contract a week and a half ago, added: "I'm so happy because they gave me more confidence. I love this club and I love to play for Chelsea. So five more years here is great. It's a dream for me.''

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