Juan Mata, Diego Costa - Spanish Soccer Stars Light Up English Premier League With Big Wins

In the past, Spain had dominated world football on the international scene but lately, they've dropped their standard. However, despite this, several of their squad players are still proving to be sensational stars in the English Premier League. Both Juan Mata and Diego Costa ensured their respective teams, Manchester United and Chelsea, got important victories against Crystal Palace and Liverpool. Without their Spanish stars they would've dropped points, so it begs the question, just how important are the slick Spanish footballers to the EPL?

Chelsea beat the Reds 2-1 with a Costa goal proving the difference between the rivals. Manager Jose Mourinho was delighted, saying, "In the second half, against Liverpool, at Anfield, every team accepts a point as a good result. My team didn't accept that, so the way they performed in the second half was an expression of that ambition and self-belief they have at the moment. Sometimes you get points and you don't deserve but this is the case where the best team won."

United struggled against Palace, but a lucky Mata goal ensured they'd gain the 3 vital points, keeping their UEFA Champions League dreams alive. Mata joined the Red Devils in January, and he has popped up with the game-winning goal on numerous occasions, as has Costa (for his new team - Chelsea).

Although the Spanish national team is struggling, it's clear to see their footballers are still vital to world football, particularly the EPL. Who will win the EPL, and will a Spanish star be the deciding factor?