Alan Smith heaps praise on ever-improving Mason Mount
Former Man United striker Alan Smith has sung praises of Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, singling out the Blues graduate for his consistency.
Smith, a former England international himself, believes Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate should continue to utilise Mount as a regular fixture in his midfield with an eye on the future.
The 22-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough at Stamford Bridge last season under former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard after impressing on loan at Derby County in the Championship.
Mount reached great heights in his debut campaign in West London, registering 8 goals and 6 assists in all competitions.
The youngster has continued to flourish as one of the key cogs in Chelsea’s engine room this term as well. Mount already has 4 goals and 6 assists in 2020-21.
Smith has hailed Mount’s impact as one of Chelsea’s standout performers in recent times while urging Southgate to include him in his plans for the national team due to his positional flexibility. Speaking to Sky Sports, the former striker said:
“I would like to see Mason Mount get a shout.
“He’s so versatile. He’s played so well for club and country. The consistency of the lad is frightening really.
“More often than not he’s been Chelsea’s best player and more often than not, England’s standout performer as well. And Southgate likes him, loves I think, and why wouldn’t you?
“The talent that he’s got, he seems to be improving all the time. So, I’d certainly like to find a place for him in a midfield three.”
Mount’s strong domestic form at Chelsea hasn’t eluded the eyes of Southgate.
He selected the midfielder for all six of England’s European Qualifiers and for all but one of the Three Lions’ UEFA Nations League fixtures. The 22-year-old has justified Southgate’s selection, replicating his sparkling club form in the international front as well.
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While Lampard utilised Mount in a slightly-deeper role, Tuchel has pushed him further forward to maximise his goal contributions at Chelsea.
That should put him in good stead for making the cut to England’s European Championship squad despite the presence of James Maddison and Jack Grealish in the mix.