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Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has praised Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez following his appointment at the Bernabeu.
Mata played under Benitez at Chelsea in 2012/13 when the Blues won the Europa League after final success over Benfica at the Amsterdam Arena. The Spaniard provided the assist as Branislav Ivanovic headed the last minute winner to seal the silverware.
Benitez was installed as interim boss at Stamford Bridge following Roberto Di Matteo's dismissal in November 2012 and Mata believes the former Liverpool boss was key to his progression as a player.
The 27-year-old scored 18 goals in all competitions for the Blues during that campaign and was named Chelsea's player of the year for the second successive season.
"I had him [Benitez] at Chelsea and we won the Europa League. It was a great campaign, my best in terms of statistics," Mata added.
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"Benitez knows how to get the most out of every player and get them performing to their best. Benitez was key for me."
