Chelsea manager Graham Potter admits he cannot understand why there is “mixed opinion” about Mason Mount and says criticism of the England midfielder is “strange”.
Mount scored twice for Chelsea in their Super Sunday victory over Aston Villa at the weekend and is set to be a key player for Gareth Southgate’s England at next month’s World Cup.
The 23-year-old had previously received critics, especially over his lack of goal or assist output in recent months, but Potter has defended the midfielder’s form and attitude.
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FREE TO WATCH: Highlights of Aston Villa against Chelsea in the Premier League.
“It’s a joy – he’s a fantastic person,” said Potter when asked about what it is like to work with Mount. “He loves to play football and loves the club.
“It’s surprising that I get questions on mixed opinion about Mason. I find that strange, especially from the outside and then when you work with him you see he’s got everything you need to be a top, top player.
“Great attitude, he understands spaces, he can execute assists and score goals. He’s top.”
Mason Mount scored both Chelsea goals in their victory at Aston Villa
‘Toney as dangerous as anybody’
Potter’s Chelsea travel to west London rivals Brentford on Wednesday night, looking to keep up their impressive unbeaten record under the former Brighton manager.
The Blues have risen to fourth, three points ahead of Manchester United in fifth, but will come up against tough opposition in Brentford, who beat Brighton 2-0 on Friday Night Football.
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FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Brentford’s win against Brighton in the Premier League.
Thomas Frank’s Bees have Ivan Toney up front, with the 26-year-old scoring eight goals in 10 matches – bettered only by Harry Kane and Erling Haaland in the league this season.
Potter, however, believes Toney is as dangerous as any player in the Premier League on current form.
“Brentford are good at what they do,” said Potter. “They use Ivan Toney well but they attack with clarity and defend with organisation. They align the resources really cleverly. The way they play fits the players they have.
Toney has eight goals in 10 Premier League games for Brentford this season
“They do really well in all the phases. Set plays, they’re very dangerous and Ivan Toney is as dangerous as anybody in the league. They do that well and they have a spirit and understanding, really motivated and really well organised.
“I knew him when I was in Sweden. I like him as a person, we have similar thoughts around the game and life in general. I think a coach is judged by what he gets out of the players and he does a fantastic job.”
