Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho gave his views on the ‘very, very intelligent’ Mason Mount’s development.
Jose Mourinho has credited Frank Lampard for Mason Mount’s impressive development at Chelsea.
The former Blues boss believes Lampard gave Mount ‘incredible conditions’ to thrive at the highest level by continuing to play him even when results didn’t go the club’s way.
The 22-year-old was promoted to a first-team regular during Lampard’s one-and-a-half-year spell as Chelsea manager. He even took on the captain’s armband before the Englishman’s departure in January.
Mount has continued to excel under Lampard’s successor, Thomas Tuchel, and recently won the club’s Player of the Year award for 2020/21. He proved key behind Chelsea’s mid-season resurgence to seal a top-four Premier League finish and Champions League glory.
Now Mourinho has weighed in on the Blues academy product’s incredible rise at Stamford Bridge.
Quizzed on what is Mount’s best position, Mourinho told The Times: “Everywhere.”
The Portuguese continued: “I have to be honest. I watched him two seasons ago in his first [Premier League] match, Manchester United against Chelsea at Old Trafford, and I saw the talent but I didn’t see maturity or consistency.
“I put a little bit of a question mark over how long this boy would need to develop and become a complete player. He didn’t need long.
“I think he has to thank Frank because even with results not being wonderful he was always keeping faith in that kid. He gave him incredible conditions to develop.
“I believe he is an attack-minded player, a creative player, but he has the tactical discipline.”
Mourinho added: “Mount is a team player.
“We see him now with Tuchel coming from the sides, when with Frank he was more of a No 10. When they play with a back five, he can be the third attacking player or the third midfield player.
“I think he is very, very intelligent on the pitch. From what I see, he has a very good understanding of the game.
“He has goals, which is an important thing for a midfield player. I like him very much.”
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