London: Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata has insisted that this will be team-mate Fernando Torres' season and that it is just a matter of time before he starts to fire for the Blues.
The club's record signing has failed to find the net so far this season, although he assisted both goals during the 2-0 Champions League win over Bayer Leverkusen.
Andre Villas-Boas has refused to confirm whether the Spain striker will start in the crunch clash with Manchester United on Sunday, but Mata is convinced that the former Atletico Madrid star will soon hit top form.
"I believe Fernando is still the same player he was before - nothing has changed. He is a great player who has demonstrated he can score lot of goals," Mata said, as quoted by the Daily Mirror.
"Everybody goes through phases when it doesn't happen for them and that is what Fernando is doing now. But this will be his season. It's just a question of time.
"Fernando had a great game against Leverkusen with the two assists for us. He was excellent in attack as well and is contributing a great deal to Chelsea as their striker."
Mata, who joined Chelsea from Valencia during the summer transfer window, revealed that he did have offers from other clubs but claims that once the Blues made an offer for his services, his mind was made up.
"I know that other clubs were interested but in the end Chelsea made a formal offer for me. For me that was very important and I want to make the most of this opportunity and grow," he added.
"They are one of the great sides in Europe and I wanted to come here. That is why I'm here."
Regarding the potentially crucial meeting with the Red Devils at the weekend, Mata expressed his admiration for United legend Ryan Giggs, labelling him one of the best wingers to have played the game.
"Giggs showed what he's worth once again with the goal he scored at Benfica," the Spain international continued.
"He's one of the best wingers who have been and are around. Perhaps I paid more attention to him because he plays the same position as me but he's incredibly impressive with his tackling, dribbling and general style."
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