Critics told to avoid “bald statistics” and have ‘closer’ look at Chelsea’s matches to appreciate this midfield star

Pat Nevin tells critics to avoid statistics and look closer at Chelsea star Mason Mount’s game to appreciate the midfielder

Chelsea legend Pat Nevin has urged critics to avoid looking at statistics and then judging Mason Mount. He has instead asked them to have a ‘closer’ look at the midfielder’s game and then judge him.

Speaking to the official Chelsea website (h/t Football. London), the former Blues and Motherwell winger defended the 23-year-old and hit out at the critics.

“A few weeks ago, someone seriously asked me if I thought Mason Mount’s position at the World Cup for England, his place in the Chelsea team, and indeed in the Chelsea squad, were all in danger. I had to ask if we were talking about the same guy.”

“The question appeared to arise from the statistic Mason hadn’t created or scored a goal for the Blues in the Premier League this season before the Wolves game. This is the danger when you only consider bald statistics and can’t or won’t have a closer look at the actual games. Or in this case the individual couldn’t have watched the games with any great intelligence”

Mount did get off to a poor start this season. The England international seemed to struggle on the field, but still gave his all on the pitch.

Since Graham Potter’s appointment in September, the midfielder seems to have become a completely new man. The 23-year-old has been fantastic going forward and was simply at his best against Aston Villa last weekend.

It was his brace, which included a peach of a striker from a free-kick, that sealed all three points for his side and helped them beat their opponents 2-0.

The midfielder has become a constant threat to his opponents and will likely be again later tonight against Brentford. Mount’s recent form will also be good news to Gareth Southgate, who is more than likely to pick the Chelsea midfielder for the World Cup next month.

Statistics are not everything and that is evident from the way Mount plays. His passes and runs may not make the numbers that one looks at, but his attributes help his team win games. This is more important than having some numbers to please certain people who enjoy stats more than the game itself.

More Chelsea News:

• Brighton star and Chelsea transfer target Leandro Trossard put future talks on hold till after the World Cup
• Chelsea boss Graham Potter has identified Jonathan David as an ideal striker
• Jorginho seeks pay rise after Chelsea made contract offer to the midfielder

He puts in the extra yard for the team and helps out in defence as well. Luckily, all he has to do to stay in the team is please Graham Potter, which he seems to be doing recently.