It might probably be the hundredth time you’re coming across the name Mason Mount this week. Yes he’s that popular at the moment.
At only 20, it looks like he’s already the poster boy for a Chelsea side that was seeking inspiration after the post-Hazard era.
The Englishman has done just that and looks set for more impressive performances.
His three goals and two assists in 270 minutes of football this season means he has been the most influential Chelsea player so far.
He is contributing to a goal or goal contribution at least once every 90 minutes. Pretty impressive as far as taking chances go.
Just when you think he’s having a roller-coaster of a season, it gets even better. The youngster has now been called up to the England squad by Gareth Southgate.
Here it is: your #ThreeLions squad for the #EURO2020 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Kosovo!https://t.co/h7MScWmxEx
— England (@England) August 29, 2019
However, the decision has now been criticized by a number of pundits and fans(Chelsea fans) inclusive. The debate being that the youngster has not done enough (consistently) to deserve a spot in the Three Lions team.
It sparked a lot of talk the England boss had to openly defend Mason Mount’s inclusion.
“Mason is in on merit. He looks like threatening the goal every time he plays. I’ve watched him since 16 playing through the various age groups,” Southgate told a news conference, as reported by the BBC.
“He’s not in based on three games this season, he’s in on the back after a successful year in the Eredivisie, a year at Derby and he’s improved at every level he’s played at.”
Does Southgate have a reasonable point for Mount’s inclusion? Perhaps so but before we look at that, an important point comes to mind.
Let’s not forget England over the couple of years have been guilty of “hyping” young prospects, expecting too much from them and seeing them disappoint in the end.
The likes of Theo Walcott and Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain come to mind. With the latter, now 26, celebrating his inclusion in the England squad after a long while out. So much for prospects.
Going back to Southgate’s statements, what exactly merits the youngster’s inclusion in the squad?
Taking Mount’s stay in the Eredivisie into account, the youngster had 14 goals and nine assists in 25 appearances, which is very impressive considering he was only just 18 at the time.
At Derby last season, under Frank Lampard, he could only manage nine goals and four assists in 38 appearances. Which in retrospect is still very impressive for his age(19 at the start of the loan) and also considering the high energy level of English football compared to other leagues.
Looking at both statistics, it’s safe to say Mason Mount guarantees double-figure goal contributions wherever he is and with his three goals for Chelsea already, he will more than likely replicate that form under Lampard yet again.
Perhaps it’s with that keen eye Gareth Southgate called up the youngster. He fits the bill for a midfielder that can pass the ball, move swiftly and still help out with a goal on couple occasions.
Reading that alone reminds you of Frank Lampard’s playing in days in the England side as well. So yes, Mount is on the right track and under proper guidance too.
And with Dele Alli struggling for fitness, it would make sense that Mount is given the responsibility of that role for now at least.
Conclusion
Mount is in superb form at the moment and as it stands it pretty much seems like he deserves a start anywhere right now.
However, too much is already being expected of him and if he fails to deliver, it might be the start of a downhill turn for his career.
