Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount admitted he prefers a central midfield position rather than the advanced role occasionally given to him by Frank Lampard.
Mount has that versatility in his game, which is another reason why he is one of the first names in the Chelsea team under Lampard this season.
The 21-year-old has played attacking midfield and left-wing roles but claimed he feels at home in the number eight position he took up against Everton.
Mount told the Daily Star: “I always see myself as a number eight because I like to do the other side of the game as well, not just going forward and attacking.
“I’ve played number 10 throughout my career, I’ve always gone in between so I don’t mind now.”
The England international does have certain defensive qualities. He has often been seen putting pressure all over the pitch, although in an advanced position he found himself outnumbered by opponents.
On the other hand, Lampard sees a goal-scoring threat from Mount and understandably wants to put him closer to the goal.
Lampard systems in the Premier League this term
The Chelsea boss has tried three different formations throughout this season: 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 and 3-4-3.
The three at the back system, which uses Mount as one of the two attacking midfielders behind a lone striker, has been the most successful with four wins, one draw and one loss.
The 4-3-3 formation has been used the most (15 times out of 29) in the Premier League, but only earned Chelsea six wins (the rest were four draws and five losses).