MASE IS ACE
..but Mount just needs killer Tuch says boss
THOMAS TUCHEL claims the sky’s the limit for Chelsea star Mason Mount – if he can develop a ruthless streak.
But the new Blues boss has offered the midfielder no guarantees he will start every week, despite his man-of -the-match display against Spurs.
Tuchel wants Mount to score more goals and claims he is not giving out gifts when it comes to picking his first XI in the cut-throat world of Stamford Bridge.
The German gave the 22-year-old a big hug as he came off the pitch after Thursday night’s 1-0 victory at Spurs – along with some friendly advice.
Tuchel, whose side go to Sheffield United tomorrow night, said: “I told him, ‘You can be more decisive and even more dangerous with your decision-making in the last 20 metres.’
“You can be sure Mase leaves his heart on the pitch for Chelsea and this is what we need.
He’s an absolute team player.
“He’s still young and there’s still room to improve. I don’t want to put a limit on his development. It’s obvious he has a lot of potential.
“He is eager to learn and hungry to win.
“He can perform for any manager and this is the best thing – he really means it. He has this internal motivation and he is a very nice guy with a big personality.”
Tuchel picked Kai Havertz ahead of Mount for his first game in charge, a dour goalless draw at home to Wolves. But the England international has started both games since and proved his worth, and while he only has two Premier League goals this season, he has starred in other ways.
Mount is currently second at Chelsea in shots and tackles, and third in assists and interceptions.
But Tuchel admits he could find himself on the bench again before long, saying: “We didn’t choose him for the first game because we opted for a slightly different profile on the two No.10 positions. “But when he came in he showed what a big influence he can have also from the bench. “And from here there are no guarantees for anybody. “Not even for Mason right now.
“He has to earn his place in every training session. It’s totally clear. He knows this, he is a competitor and it’s why we will keep pushing him, like the others.”