[ad_pod ]

It has been whispered about at youth level for quite some time that Mason Mount is an emerging talent to watch; a potential Premier League superstar no less.

It was his season-long loan spell to Derby County last term, however, that piqued wider interest in the attacking midfielder and with a series of stand-out performances comparisons were formed from his playing style to his manager at Pride Park, Frank Lampard. No pressure there then.

With both men returning to Stamford Bridge this summer speculation began to circulate as to how big a role Mount might play for his parent club, a club that let’s not forget is currently hit with a transfer ban. In the event Mount has been entrusted from the start, scored two goals, and is already well on his way to proving his early backers entirely right.

A recent call-up to the England squad was just reward for what has been a pulsating beginning to his career at the elite level. As for the Lampard comparison, only one person can really answer that…

Here's what those in the know have had to say about the rising star.

Frank Lampard – Chelsea legend and coach

The Blues all-time record goal-scorer has long been an ardent supporter of Mount and has not shied away from talking up the 20-year-old’s promise at every opportunity. Here though he directly addresses the – surely premature – suggestion that his young prodigy might one day match his own immense achievements.

It is revealing that he doesn’t exactly say no, as per talkSPORT:

“With Mason Mount, I don’t like to compare, particularly with myself. I can talk about him myself and he has a great work ethic and it’s important about how we want to play. Scoring goals he will step up levels as he develops, I’m a huge fan of his.”

Aidy Boothroyd – England Under 21 coach

On the international scene Mount boasts four England Under 21 caps, all afforded to him by Boothroyd, who evidently rates him as highly as the player’s club boss, as per the Daily Mail:

“Mason is very promising. Working with him first hand, the thing that strikes you most is his character. He wants to train, work hard and wants to put everything he learns into action. When you look at him physically, you feel he might not be quite ready but it’s his ability and skill that puts him into the reckoning.”

If Frank Lampard fails, would Chelsea fans welcome Jose Mourinho back for a third time? Find out in the video below...

Gareth Southgate – England coach

After gaining valuable experience training with the full England squad last October it was little surprise to see Mount selected once again this week as the Three Lions continue their Euro qualifying quest, especially in light of the midfielder’s splendid Premier League baptism.

Southgate though is at pains to point out that it is not simply his recent form that has convinced him, as per the Evening Standard:

"Mason Mount’s been one of the outstanding players in the league already this season. He’s in on merit. Simple as that. He looks like he’s threatening the goal every game he plays. I’ve watched him develop through our youth teams since he was 16 and he’s been an outstanding player at every age group.

"He’s not in on the back of three games at Chelsea. He’s in on the back of a year in the Eredivisie, which was outstanding; a very successful year with Derby [County]; European Under-19 champion with us. So he keeps improving and achieving at every level he is tested at, and that has been the same at the beginning of this season."

Verdict

The doubts are diminishing each and every week and it’s becoming increasingly clear that Lampard’s faith in his fledgling talent is more than justified.