Rio Ferdinand has claimed that opposition players must hate facing Chelsea star Mason Mount.
Ferdinand’s comments came in his post-match analysis of Chelsea’s 1-0 victory on Thursday night against Tottenham.
Mount, 22, completed 90 minutes in the Blues’ away victory at Spurs in the Premier League, with Jorginho scoring a first-half penalty to earn three points.
Mount played in a more advanced attacking role during the match and it’s a position where new manager Thomas Tuchel appears to favour him, which is a contrast to his more usual midfield position under former boss Frank Lampard.
The £88,000-a-week star (Spotrac) was instrumental throughout against Spurs without getting on the scoresheet himself.
Ferdinand gave a glowing verdict on the England international after his display:
“He’d be a nightmare to play against. I think he’s someone you’d go into a game and think ‘it’s going to be hard work to play against him’. He’s always on the move,” Ferdinand told BT Sport 1 (10:07pm, 4 February).
“He plays away from players, you very rarely see him get the ball with someone touchtight to him because he’s so aware of space.”
The Chronicle View
Mount is showing he’s got the versatility to play any position, but one constant will be he’ll show incredible work-rate, energy and willingness anywhere on the pitch.
Fortunately, he’s got such a well rounded game that it’s flexible for him to switch positions.
He showed real intent in possession yesterday to really drive forward and his close control on the half turn is particularly impressive.
The attacking midfielder is now learning under a new manager and he’s rising to the challenge, plus he’s got so much potential being aged just 22.
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