Lampard wants Mount to be fox in box for Blues
MASON MOUNT has answered the call this season more than a Covidiot contacted by track and trace.
And it was the Chelsea star to the rescue again to ease the pressure on Frank Lampard and finally deliver victory over 10-man Fulham.
Whether Mount is asked to do a job in midfield, attack teams from the wing or be a creator, he has shone.
So, you would not now bet against him answering manager Lampard’s call to start scoring more goals like his match-winner here.
It was his first in the league since September but Lampard believes the 22-year-old is capable of getting 15 per season.
He said: “It is a conversation I have a lot with Mason because I feel he can get more goals from midfield.
“My feeling is he needs to get in the 18-yard box more.
“When he gets older it will be natural for him to understand the moments he can get in.
“If you keep getting in there, by numbers and with his quality, his smartness in his play, he will get chances and score more goals.
“Rather than the 25-yarder he did last week, goals in the box are what Mason can definitely add.
“By the time he’s 23, 24 and maturing into the prime of his career, I’d like to think Mason will be a player of the highest level in all senses who has at least 10 goals – maybe 15 or so – in him.”
Chelsea struggled to break down a Fulham team that had plenty of chances until Antonee Robinson was sent off for a wild tackle on Cesar Azpilicueta just before half-time.
Mount finally broke through for the Blues in the 78th minute with a controlled volley into the bottom corner, after keeper Alphonse Areola could only parry a Ben Chilwell cross from the left wing.
England regular Mount, who also hit the woodwork, said: “Two goals in a week is obviously very good for me.
“I aspire to score more goals, so I’m happy with that.
“For me, the next step is continuing to play as many games as I can and winning trophies.
“All of us players want to be successful and that’s a big goal of mine. I want to win a big trophy for this club.
“Hopefully, I can keep getting better and keep challenging myself to do more and be an even bigger leader in the team.”
Mount is still not popular with a large section of the Chelsea faithful, who would prefer to see bigger names such as £71million signing Kai Havertz in the team ahead of him.
Havertz was an unused substitute in Saturday’s game.
Mount said: “The most important people, I try to make them proud. Scoring and putting performances in will do that.”