Lampard hails Mata's 'first-class attitude' in forcing way back in Chelsea team

Chelsea vice-captain Frank Lampard has said that he is impressed by the 'first-class' attitude shown by his teammate Juan Mata to battle his way back into the Chelsea playing team.

Mata, a back-to-back Player of the Year, has been out of favour since the return of Jose Mourinho this summer, although he made a game-changing contribution in his side's 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday and prompted Mourinho into selecting him for the starting line-up for the Champions League trip to Steaua Bucharest.

According to Metro.co.uk, Lampard hailed Mata's attitude to force his way back into the team, saying that the Spaniard 'played well, linked the play, put in the ball for the goal' and added that he has been a vital player for the club since his purchase from Spanish side Valencia CF in 2011.

Lampard also said that Mata is aware that there is a lot of competition, especially in midfield, adding that he has trained well and kept the right attitude, which is very important for a player when he is not playing.