Football News

Lampard says Mount’s form has given Chelsea “a problem” ahead of Man Utd opener

By Ollie Thomas

Published: 13:51, 4 August 2019

New Chelsea boss Frank Lampard believes Mason Mount’s impressive pre-season has given him a “problem” ahead of next week’s Premier League opener.

Mount scored a brace at Reading last week before winning a penalty yesterday in Chelsea’s final pre-season friendly against Borussia Monchengladbach. His sparkling performances have clearly not gone unnoticed.

A big season for Mount? Five things to know…

    • Mount spent last season on loan at Derby County with Lampard.
    • He scored eight goals and assisted five more as the Rams reached the play-off final.
    • The 20-year-old has never made a senior competitive appearance for Chelsea.
    • It appears he will be in Lampard’s first-team plans this season.
    • Fellow midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek is currently sidelined with an injury, which could free up a place in the side.

Speaking after the club’s 2-2 draw with Monchengladbach, Lampard said: “He’s done a lot. I’m really happy with how he’s training, how he’s playing and his status in the group coming back here.

“The players recognise quality instantly but they also recognise work rate and character — and Mason has all of those. He has given me a problem.

“Ross Barkley also had a good pre-season and Ruben Loftus-Cheek will be back later on. It’s good, as they’re all adaptable. It doesn’t have to be just one. They can play in a variety of positions.

“I couldn’t ask for more from what Mason has done.”

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Renewed competition for places

Rather bizarrely, Chelsea’s transfer ban has, if anything, meant that competition for places is more intense than ever.

Players such as Tammy Abraham, Michy Batshuayi, Reece James and Fikayo Tomori as well as Mount are likely to be vying for game time this season after spending 2018/19 on loan. Christian Pulisic will also be involved after finally completing his move from Borussia Dortmund to west London.

Mount impressed at Derby by scoring in the second leg of their thrilling play-off clash with Leeds United and caught the eye with a string of creative performances throughout the season.

With Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Callum Hudson-Odoi both due to miss the first couple of months of the season through injury, Mount will likely be entrusted with more responsibility than ever by Lampard.

However, Ross Barkley may yet keep him out of the team against Manchester United on the opening day of the 2019/20 season.