The Lionel Messi Prediction- Mason Mount, one of the Chelsea academy graduates to bloom under Frank Lampard this season, has grabbed attention from arguably the best player in the world of football. In a recent event, where the Barcelona legend had to launch an exclusive pack of Champions League player cards teamed up with football card manufacturers, Messi has handpicked Mason Mount in the “Youth on the rise” category.
Mount, only 20, played for Lampard at Derby County last season in the Championship, which is the second tier of English football. After Chelsea sacked Maurizio Sarri last summer, they bought in Frank Lampard as the head coach of the club. The west London club was banned from signing players in two consecutive transfer windows. They had been found breaching the rules of signing under 18 players by UEFA.
What Does The Future Hold For Mount; Is Lionel Messi Coming In?
Lampard kept all the youngsters he thought to have the potential to play for Chelsea and Mount was one of them. The 20-year-old England international made his debut for the Blues this season and also made a Champions League debut against Valencia. He made five starts and two substitute appearances in the Champions League this season.
Lionel Messi, a five-time Champions League winner said, “Having watched him (Mount) play, he has the potential to be one of the best.”
If the transfer ban was absent, Mount and many of the other youngsters would have gone on loan already. The likes of Fikayo Tomori, Billy Gilmour, Reece James, and Tammy Abraham, all have become first-team regulars under Frank Lampard. Mount has made 41 appearances for Chelsea this term and had a decent output.
In his first season in top-flight football, he has managed to find the net six times and made five assists from midfield. However, the numbers could be much better and were also criticized for his consistency. It will be interesting to see if Lampard keeps him in his squad in the next season or not.
A loan move to another Premier League side would be helpful for the player if Chelsea signs another midfielder in the summer. That area is already crowded in the Blues squad. Mateo Kovacic, Jorginho, Ross Barkley and the ever-reliable N’golo Kante occupying the Chelsea midfield positions at the moment.
The Current Scenario At Chelsea; Will Things Work Out?
Due to the recent Coronavirus pandemic, all the football leagues across Europe are suspended until further notice. The Premier League is scheduled to start on April 30th but most probably the date might get postponed.
Mount was criticized for breaking the rule for self-isolation during this quarantine period. Recently he was seen playing football with his England team-mate and West ham player Declan Rice. Chelsea was quick to remind him about his social responsibilities. It is unknown if the West London club has fined him for this error or not. However, Mount has apologized to his manager Frank Lampard already.
Chelsea is sitting at fourth position in the Premier League table. They have reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup so far this season. They were the team in form when the season was stopped. The west Londoners would have been really disappointed by the outbreak.
