Graham Potter has explained he’s surprised when he hears of potential criticism aimed at Chelsea’s Mason Mount.
Potter has taken a fairly good look at his squad now during his opening six games as Chelsea head coach, but some early favourites are emerging.
Mount, 23, is the only outfield player to start every single game under the Blues boss so far.
The attacking midfielder has been the creative hub in recent weeks for his side. He scored his first goals of the season with a brace against Aston Villa at the weekend, too.
Potter surprised by Mount criticism
Chelsea’s manager describes it as “strange” when he hears mixed opinions on Mount.
The Blues and England star is an individual that, bizarrely, does receive some stick, but there aren’t many footballers in the game at his age that can boast such an eye-catching CV.
“It’s surprising – I get a few questions, there seems to be mixed opinion on Mason. I find that strange, especially from the outside,” Potter said.
“When you start to work with him, he’s got everything you need to be a top, top player.
“He has a great attitude, he understands spaces, can execute assists and scores goals, so he’s top.”
Everybody has been entitled to call out Mount on a slow start to the season. For certain, you can bet he was the biggest critic.
However, it feels odd to doubt such a talented player that has won the club’s player of the year for the last two consecutive seasons.
The majority of the Chelsea fanbase is fully behind this special academy graduate, who is now proving his true class under yet a new manager. The Telegraph recently claimed Mount benefited greatly from a one-on-one chat with Potter.
As for criticism on a wider scale, England internationals will be used to hearing it. Mount has got nowhere near to replicating his best Chelsea form in England colours, but he could be just one top performance away at the World Cup from finally silencing his naysayers.
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