Journalist Scott Trotter was encouraged by Mason Mount’s performance for Chelsea in Graham Potter’s first game in charge of the club.
While the result didn’t go the Blues’ way, having to settle for a point at home to Red Bull Salzburg and contend with bottom place in the group after two games, it appears that there were some positives to take from the night.
Journalist Dean Jones recently claimed that the new Chelsea boss was already a ‘big admirer’ of Mount, and it would seem that Potter has gone some way in restoring the 23-year-old’s confidence.
Writing for football.london, Trotter awarded Mount a 6/10 for his performance against Salzburg, stating: ‘Mount played an advanced role in a midfield three, albeit in a deeper role than he was accustomed to under the previous regime. A better outing from the England international.’
Mount impressed v Salzburg
It has been a slow start to the campaign for Mount, perhaps reminiscent of the club’s struggles as a whole in the early weeks which led to Thomas Tuchel’s sacking.
He is yet to contribute with a goal or an assist in eight appearances this term, which includes seven starts, but last night could point to an uplift in form for the 31-cap England international.
According to SofaScore, Mount posted a joint-match high two key passes and ranked fifth on the night for touches (91), completing 50 of his 59 passes (85%). He also delivered three successful crosses (joint-most with Reece James) and accurately played three out of his four long ball attempts.
While the £67.5m-rated gem was back at his conductive best in a playmaking role, he also put in a shift when Salzburg had possession, second only to Marc Cucurella when it came to his team-mates for duels won (six).
The 2020/21 Chelsea Player of the Year also made three tackles and three interceptions on the night, and the Blues’ faithful will be hoping it is a sign of things to come under Potter.
