Chelsea’s two-window transfer ban has opened the door for several of the club’s younger players to test themselves amongst the first-team squad this campaign, as was already clear in their first game of the season against Manchester United.
Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount made their debuts in the Blues’ starting line-up as they lost 4-0 to the Red Devils in a disappointing start to their Premier League campaign, and Reece James and Callum Hudson-Odoi will most likely feature regularly when they return from injury.
Based on this performance, new boss Frank Lampard will have been impressed with 20-year-old Mount, but will also be hoping for more from the attacking midfielder.
On the plus side, the former Derby County loanee was one of the most creative players for the Stamford Bridge outfit on the day. Only Pedro created more chances than Mount’s four, whilst he completed two accurate crosses throughout the game. As well, both of the shots he took required a save from United goalkeeper David De Gea. In general, he looked comfortable on the ball.
From a defensive point of view, he also made his mark, registering three successful tackles from a more advanced position.
There are a couple of things he can improve on, however. For a player who is so strong from a passing point of view, he should have been disappointed with his 82% pass success rate. He also recorded three unsuccessful touches in the match, which was the joint-most of all of the Chelsea team during a game in which sloppy turnovers ultimately cost them dearly against a very clinical United side.
Mount and co will now play Liverpool in the UEFA Super Cup Final and the youngster deserves another chance to prove himself. With Ross Barkley providing competition for him in pre-season, Mount was statistically the better player at Old Trafford. However, there is room for improvement as the season progresses, and the Blues will need a stronger, more consistent impact if they are to reach their objectives this term.