'He has been playing brilliantly': Mason Mount so impressed by Chelsea teammate's form this season
Mason Mount explained that his partnership with Reece James at Chelsea had improved once again this year.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the England international highlighted the enhancement he and James had undertaken in the past few months.
Blues boys go way back
Mount and his fellow countryman have always enjoyed a deep connection, due to growing up and being raised together through Cobham’s ranks.
The pair’s career paths have also gone in extremely similar directions.
Both enjoyed a successful loan spell before breaking into Chelsea’s first team under Frank Lampard.
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Now, they are two of Thomas Tuchel’s most vital components to his Stamford Bridge machine.
Mount and James loving each others company
Tuchel clearly recognised James and Mount’s strong bond and used that as an advantage.
The manager has moved Mount to the right side of attack, having previously deployed the 22-year-old mainly on the left.
This means he has generally been playing ahead of James, who is now the permanent owner of the right wing-back slot.
Between them, the Englishman have easily funded more goals this term than any of their co-workers, both with 11 direct contributions respectively.
“He has been playing brilliantly,” said Mount on his partner in crime.
“I know how he plays and I know how he likes to combine with someone.
“It is us on the right trying to create chances and work off each other.
“When he moves inside, I go on the outside, when I move inside, he stays wide. It is all about getting the best from each other.”
Left a little short
Chelsea could do with forging another offensive duo on the opposite flank to Mount and James.
Ben Chilwell had been in brilliant form before damaging his anterior cruciate ligament.
Yet, the left-back constantly had a different attacker in front of him, meaning a significant link could not emerge.
Until Chilwell returns, Tuchel must find a combination that works for Marcos Alonso and one other.
Lately, Hakim Ziyech has hung off the left, but Timo Werner, Christian Pulisic or Callum Hudson-Odoi could also feature there.
More often than not, having plenty of options is a bonus.
But, in this case, depth might actually be damaging the Blues.
