Europa League final: The secret of Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata's success is a good night's sleep

The Blues take on Benfica in the final tomorrow night

Juan Mata likes to get eight or nine hours’ sleep a night (Getty Images)

Juan Mata has revealed that sleep is the secret behind his brilliance this season.

The Spain international has been one of the best midfielders in the Premier League this year, starting 53 Chelsea games, coming off the bench nine times and performing well almost every time despite a busy summer at Euro 2012 and the Olympics.

Mata, 25, played so many matches for club and country he has lost count. "Around 65 or something like this," he said. "It's been a lot. With two to come, I'm just looking forward to playing."

And even at this stage of the season there is no time to be tired. "Right now it is easy because we are close to a title, we are ending the season so it is easy to be focused."

He is also excited about the Confederations Cup in Brazil next month. "It will be nice to play a team like Brazil. Winning another title with Chelsea and if we win with Spain, it will be a perfect summer."

There is a natural reason for Mata's remarkable energy. "I try to sleep as much as I can," he said. "Eight or nine hours a night."