Chelsea star Mason Mount has hardly enjoyed the best start to the new season at Stamford Bridge.
Last season’s top scorer and assister in the Premier League is yet to contribute to either statistic this season, as the Blues in general have endured a rough start to the campaign.
Arguably Mount’s best performance of the season so far came in his most recent outing, which was Graham Potter’s first match in charge.
He seemed to feature in a more central role than previously this campaign, in an area where it looked like there would be less reliance on him for goals and assists.
Mount will perhaps be the most relieved player to see club football take a backseat for the time being, as he joins up with teammates Raheem Sterling, Reece James and Ben Chilwell as part of the England squad.
International break key for Mount
He is likely to still feature for Gareth Southgate’s side despite his form, as the manager looks to finalise his team for the upcoming winter World Cup.
With the quality of players he is likely to be playing around, Mount will welcome the disappearance of the pressure of trying to help turn the club he loves’ fortunes around.
After being determined as the club’s most valuable player last season, there has always been an expectation that he would lead by example at Stamford Bridge, with him always prone to criticism when he’s not performing.
Supporters who go too far with criticism obviously don’t help, and the fact Mount has widely impressed Frank Lampard, Thomas Tuchel, Southgate and now Potter should suggest that he more than has the quality to perform for Chelsea.
Time away from the tough situation at Stamford Bridge should do him the world of good, as he looks to be back close to his best for the busy upcoming month of October.