Graham Potter calls Mason Mount slander "strange"

New Chelsea boss Graham Potter believes recent criticism of Mason Mount is wide of the mark. The coach even went as far as saying that it is “strange” that his midfielder has been the recipient of mixed opinions.

“It’s surprising that I get questions on mixed opinion about Mason,” Potter said in a press conference on Tuesday. “I find that strange, especially from the outside and then when you work with him you see he’s got everything you need to be a top, top player.”

“Great attitude, he understands spaces, he can execute assists and score goals. He’s top.”

Mount scored both of Chelsea’s goals on Sunday, as the Blues beat Aston Villa on the road. The brace was the midfielder’s first time on the scoresheet in 13 total matches so far this season.

There has been plenty of debate on social media, particularly here in the United States, about Christian Pulisic replacing Mount in Potter’s starting XI. Mount has started all but one game for Chelsea so far during the current campaign. The lone match that he did begin on the bench was during Thomas Tuchel’s reign at the club.

Graham Potter prefers Mount over others

Meanwhile, Pulisic has found it difficult to get playing time at the club. The USMNT star has managed to rack up just 255 total minutes on the pitch this season. In fact, he has only started two total games (both in the Premier League) for Chelsea during the 2022/23 campaign.

Although some assumed Pulisic’s playing time would dramatically increase under Potter, this has not yet been the case. However, the American does have a goal and an assist in his two league appearances with the new coach.

Nevertheless, Mount’s place in the team will only strengthen due to his excellent display against Villa. American Chelsea fans will hope that Potter can find a way to play both of the stars together, as they did in a recent match with Wolves. The two midfielders were excellent, with Mount even providing Pulisic an assist for Chelsea’s second goal of the game.

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