Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes Mason Mount owes a debt of gratitude to Frank Lampard for his success at the Stamford Bridge club.
Lampard was in charge at the Blues when Mount got a chance to stake a claim for a first team spot in the 2019/2020 season.
When Lampard was replaced by Thomas Tuchel midway through the 2020/2021 campaign, Mount once again showed why he is an invaluable member of the Blues side.
Mount was a key part of the team that won the Champions League, defeating Manchester City in the final in May.
"I have to be honest, I watched him two seasons ago in his first [Premier League] match, Manchester United against Chelsea at Old Trafford, and I saw the talent but I didn't see maturity or consistency," Mourinho said in an interview with The Times.
"I put a little bit of a question mark over how long this boy would need to develop and become a complete player. He didn't need long.
"I think he has to thank Frank because even with results not being wonderful he was always keeping faith in that kid. He gave him incredible conditions to develop.
"I believe he is an attack-minded player, a creative player, but he has the tactical discipline. Mount is a team player.
"We see him now with [Thomas] Tuchel coming from the sides, when with Frank he was more of a No. 10. When they play with a back five he can be the third attacking player or the third midfield player.
"I think he is very, very intelligent on the pitch. From what I see, he has a very good understanding of the game.
"He has goals, which is an important thing for a midfield player. I like him very much."
