‘Looked excellent’: Joe Cole says 23-year-old Chelsea player made a big impact tonight in win vs Lille

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Joe Cole has described Chelsea’s Mason Mount as “excellent” after his impact from the bench tonight against Lille.

The Blues came from behind in France to win 2-1 on Wednesday night in Lille, which secured a 4-1 aggregate victory in the European tie.

As a result, Thomas Tuchel’s side booked their spot in Friday’s draw for the Champions League quarter-finals.

The potential opponents in the next round are either Liverpool, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Villarreal, Benfica or Bayern Munich.

Lille forward Burak Yilmaz opened the scoring for Lille to get them back into the contest.

However, Christian Pulisic delivered a suckerpunch on the stroke of half-time with a great goal after getting on the end of a pass from Jorginho. Blues captain Cesar Azpilicueta added a second in the second half by converting Mount’s cross.

Pundit and ex-Chelsea star Cole highlighted an eye-catching cameo from Mount.

The 23-year-old helped lift the standards in the second period for the visitors after being introduced as a half-time substitute.

He provided a greater attacking threat with an extra body in the final third, as well as showing some great moments of creativity that was missing in the opening 45 minutes.

Incidentally, Mount’s now up to eight goals and nine assists for this season.

“Second-half was a lot better, a lot more assured. Mason Mount came on and looked excellent. Wonderful cross for the [Azpilicueta] goal,” Cole told BT Sport 2 (9:55pm, 16 March).

Chelsea in it to win it

Yes, it’s very difficult to regain the Champions League crown.

Bet against this special group of players at your peril, though.

They yet again managed to bury all the off-field antics involving a takeover and imposed sanctions to deliver a brilliant European performance away from home.

For certain, they’re a team that over two legs no side will hope to draw in the quarter-finals.

Tuchel is the mastermind behind the success that deserves immense praise.

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