Chelsea boss Graham Potter has revealed he is puzzled about the ‘mixed opinion’ surrounding Mason Mount.
Since the 2019/20 season, Mount has played a key role in the senior squad for the Blues, becoming one of a number of recent Cobham graduates to play for the side.
Over the past few seasons, the England international’s numbers in front of goal have increased, with the 23-year-old amassing 29 goal contributions last season.
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Mount had struggled at the beginning of this season though, with Chelsea as a whole having a poor start to the campaign.
However, he was able to get himself off the mark at the weekend in the away win against Aston Villa, which was the Blues’ fifth victory in a row in all competitions.
Mount scored twice against Steven Gerrard’s side, which came off the back of his Man of the Match performance against AC Milan in the Champions League during the week.
The attacking midfielder has thrived under Potter since his arrival at the beginning of September, with the head coach now revealing his confusion over the England international’s criticism.
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Speaking to the media ahead of their Premier League trip to Brentford, he said: "It's a joy. He's a fantastic person, loves to play football and loves the club.
“Surprising I get questions over mixed opinion... I find it strange. He's got everything you need to be a top, top player."
Mount scored after just six minutes in the win over Villa as he made the most of an error from Tyrone Mings.
He added his second midway through the second half, firing a superb free-kick into the back of the net from range, ensuring Chelsea were victorious once again.
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The Blues still remain unbeaten under Potter, with the clean sheet at Villa Park being their fourth in a row across all competitions.
Much of that has been down to the efforts of Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has been in fine form in between the sticks for Chelsea.
Over the past year or so, Edouard Mendy has been the number one choice to start in goal, but recent mistakes and injury have allowed Kepa to take centre stage.
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Potter also spoke on the competition between the two goalkeepers: “It's better to let football decide (on who is the number one).
“Kepa has done really well and been fantastically supported by Edou and Betts. Kepa's form is really pleasing for everybody.
"I've been really impressed with his character, personality, understands the game well, takes responsibility."
Chelsea currently sit fourth in the Premier League table, and will travel to Brentford on Wednesday night before hosting Manchester United at the weekend.
Topics: Chelsea, Graham Potter, Mason Mount
Robert Calcutt