Mount’s crunching tackle explains why he’s Lampard’s teacher’s pet at Chelsea

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Planet Football
2nd November 2020

Frank Lampard absolutely loves Mason Mount and has made him a key man for whichever team he has managed, whether that was on loan at Derby County or back at Chelsea.

There are plenty of jokes that have been made about this in the past, but there is substance behind the Blues boss’ decision-making.

The 21-year-old currently has two goals and one assist in all competitions, while he also averages 2.2 chances created and 1.4 successful dribbles per 90 minutes in the Premier League this term.

He has also become a popular player under England gaffer Gareth Southgate, so there has to be something there for them both to consistently find room for him in their teams.

Mount undoubtedly has technical ability, but the midfielder does more than just the nice bits and isn’t afraid to get stuck in.

This was clear to everybody when he raced back to put a challenge in on Matthew Lowton during Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Burnley.

elite cb/cdm level tackle this was, man’s a certified baller pic.twitter.com/DXe5D7ACv3

— Mr.Peanutbutter (@PeaNutButter530) October 31, 2020

With N’Golo Kante being the only recognised defensive option used in midfield at Turf Moor, there may have been some who feared the Blues would be easy to break down.

However, if the likes of Kai Havertz and Mount work back to offer defensive reinforcements, it allows Lampard to have an extra creative player on the pitch – and this is what Mount provided.

Having initially gifted the ball to Lowton, Ben Chilwell didn’t exactly help himself out as he dangled out a leg in a weak attempt to stop Lowton.

While Werner didn’t really react, Mount showed his defensive awareness as he tore back and slid in to make a brilliantly executed challenge on the Burnley right-back.

In this moment, he showed his ability to spot danger and hunger to act on it, while the technique of his tackle was also spot on.

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Thanks to all of this, Lowton was left in a heap on the floor while Kante was able to get hold of the ball and assert some extra control on the game for Chelsea.

Lampard has a wealth of creative talent at his disposal, and it is only natural that he is going to want to get as many of those players into his team at a time as possible.

However, the defence has been leaky at points during his tenure, which offers a reminder of just how important it is for the manager to put out a balanced side, as well as an entertaining one.

With moments like this, Mount is highlighting that he can help his boss achieve both of these things, and it is this attitude combined with his quality that will see him remain a popular pick for Lampard.