New Chelsea boss Graham Potter believes recent criticism of Mason Mount is misplaced. The coach even went so far as to say that it is “strange” that his midfielder has been the subject of conflicting opinions.
“It’s surprising that I get questions about mixed opinions about Mason,” Potter said at a news conference on Tuesday. “It seems strange to me, especially from the outside and then when you work with him you see that he has everything you need to be a top player.
“Great attitude, he understands spaces, he can give assists and score goals. He is the best.
Mount scored both of Chelsea’s goals on Sunday, as the Blues beat Aston Villa on the road. The brace was the midfielder’s first time on the scoresheet in 13 games in total so far this season.
There has been a lot of debate on social media, particularly here in the US, about Christian Pulisic replacing Mount in Potter’s starting XI. Mount has started all but one game for Chelsea so far this season. The only game he did start on the bench was during Thomas Tuchel’s reign at the club.
Graham Potter prefers Mount over others
Meanwhile, Pulisic has found it difficult to get playing time at the club. The USMNT star has managed to amass just 255 total minutes on the field this season. In fact, he has only started two games in total (both in the Premier League) for Chelsea during the 2022/23 campaign.
Although some assumed that Pulisic’s playing time would increase dramatically with Potter, this has not been the case. However, the American does add a goal and an assist in his two league games under the new coach.
However, Mount’s place in the team will only be strengthened by his excellent performance against Villa. Chelsea’s American fans are hoping that Potter can find a way to take on the two stars together, as they did in a recent game with Wolves. Both midfielders were excellent, with Mount even providing an assist to Pulisic for Chelsea’s second goal of the match.
PHOTO: IMAGO / PRIME Media Images
