Graham Potter believes that Mason Mount has a very exciting future at Chelsea ahead of him despite some early season criticisms coming his way.
The 23-year-old had a difficult start to the Premier League campaign but has found his form under the new head coach.
He had failed to pick up a goal contribution in the opening seven games of the season but has emerged as a key figure in the side for Potter.
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Against Wolves, the midfielder put in a classy display, providing assists for teammates Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic in a 3-0 win.
At the weekend Mount was once again the hero, he netted the only two goals of the game versus Aston Villa, one of which was a splendid free-kick from distance.
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His good performances since the 47-year-old's arrival has earned him starts in every game Potter has been in charge of, him and Kepa Arrizabalga are the only players to do so.
The English boss is clearly finding his winning formula at Chelsea, with the Blues currently on a run of five wins on the bounce.
While Mount has found his form, the slow start to the season was rather surprising considering he has been crowned the Chelsea Men's Player of the Year in back-to-back seasons.
Due to his stumbling start, a lot of criticism and blame for poor results was hurled the midfielder's way.
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As quoted by Liam Twomey of The Athletic though, Potter believes the recent criticism has actually made Mount an even better footballer.
Potter said: "The other stuff, the bits below the water, are maybe people don't recognise or see with him. He's a top person and a top professional.
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"Criticism is part of life. Everyone's entitled to their opinions, that's fine. I can only speak from my perspective. As an outsider, whenever we played against Chelsea, we were always concerned about Mason."
He continued: "Sometimes we forget that the game is about the team. Too often we zoom into individuals, and when the team isn't functioning well, individuals get the brunt of it.
"But it's always the team, and when the team isn't functioning as optimally as it can, then individuals don't perform to the level that they can.
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"Maybe that's happened a bit, and he's a young player and he'll learn. Arguably you need to suffer a little bit to get yourself to the top, to realise and learn about yourself, your career and your life. He has dealt with that and he comes out stronger and better for it."
Chelsea face a trip to Brentford on Wednesday night and Mount could be involved again.
Potter may opt to give him a rest as the game time he has logged in recent weeks has been heavy.
If he does play a role, the England international will be hoping he continue the top form he has shown as of late.
Topics: Chelsea, Mason Mount, Graham Potter, Football
Sam Collins