Lampard believes Mason Mount will fulfill dream of becoming a ‘big player’ for Chelsea

Mason Mount missed all of February and almost all of March, during which time Frank Lampard’s Derby County managed just two wins (and ten points) in nine games. On Saturday, Mount returned, and promptly led Derby to a 6-1 destruction of Rotherham, scoring one and setting up two more to get the Rams back in the promotion playoff hunt.

That game was just a small microcosm of Mount’s impact at Derby this season, with the Chelsea loanee quickly establishing himself as a key player and recently garnering attention from the Bundesliga as well, as most outstanding youth prospects tend to get these days.

But while RB Leipzig’s interest just confirms Mount’s undeniable talent, the 20-year-old has Chelsea firmly in his sights at this point still, just like his manager did for thirteen years.

“I think he can be a top player. I know that’s a broad statement, he’s already been in an England squad but I believe he’ll go back to Chelsea and be a big player for Chelsea. I know that’s his dream.”

“He’ll play for his country I hope, because he has all the attributes on and off the pitch. He’s a delight to work with, as all the players have been this season.”

The focus for right now is of course on getting Derby back into the Championship’s top six, but next season should see the youngster step up to the next level, whether at Chelsea or elsewhere.

Hopefully it’s the former.

“That’s his call. It depends how Chelsea see it and how he sees it. It depends what is the best plan for him. What we can say is that the year he’s had - he’s had a great year which has put him one big step up the ladder.”

-Frank Lampard; source: Sky