As much as I like Mata and would love him in our squad in a heartbeat I have always maintained Carzorla is the better player. Totally overlooked by the press last Season - here's an actual comparison.
Juan Mata Santi Cazorla
Total Open Play Passes
1,365 1,850
Passes Completed
1,161 1,618
Pass Completion %
85% 87%
% of Passes Forward
27% 28%
Dribbles Attempted
36 95
Dribbles Completed
12 65
Assists
12 11
Total Chances Created
91 95
Interceptions per game
1.1 1.8
In terms of being a goal threat I would just about give Mata the edge but as an 'all-rounder' Carzorla edges it.