Chelsea assistant boss Gianfranco Zola says he is not surprised to see Mason Mount impressing for Derby County.
Mount has caught the eye since joining the Rams on a season-long loan from Chelsea – and could feature against the Blues in tonight’s Carabao Cup tie at Stamford Bridge.
The young midfielder has forced his way into the England squad and been tipped to make his mark in the Premier League in the future.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the cup game, Zola revealed that he instantly liked what he saw of Mount and believes he can make it as a Chelsea player.
“I came across him when I first came here and I was analysing the players we had on loan,” Zola explained.
“He was one of the first players I analysed and I said ‘This player is for us’.
“It was the plan to keep him for at least pre-season with us, but then an opportunity came to send him and play in England in such a competitive league like the Championship. The club decided that it was good for him.
“I like him very much because he is one of those players that has the mental speed to work out things very quickly and you can see the way he plays.
“Physically, obviously he has to improve. The Premier League is a different level. But he’s getting on very well.”