One of the standout players during Graham Potter's successful debut as Chelsea manager has been Mason Mount.
Prior to Thomas Tuchel's firing in September, the 23-year-old England midfielder was one of many underwhelming Blues players.
But in recent weeks, he has reminded everyone of his abilities with a stunning double in a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa that helped his team earn its fifth victory in six games under the new manager.
With less than a month till the start of the World Cup, we highlight Mount's comeback before Chelsea travels across West London to play Brentford tonight.
Despite being one of Chelsea's most reliable players in recent years, Mount was not without his detractors at the beginning of the season.
During his final games in charge, Tuchel changed his method frequently, which made it difficult for the No. 19 to maintain consistency.
Despite the team's poor performance as a collective, Mount's efficacy was hampered by the questions that were directed at him.
Even if the Champions League winner has had a sparkling career up to this point, the midfielder has frequently had to cope with it.
And Potter has acknowledged that he is surprised that some people still do not think highly of the playwright.
He said: "It’s surprising... I get a few questions, there seems to be mixed opinion on Mason. I find that strange, especially from the outside.
"When you start to work with him, he’s got everything you need to be a top, top player.
"He has a great attitude, he understands spaces, can execute assists and scores goals, so he’s top."
Impacting change
Potter's record at Chelsea currently stands at an outstanding five victories, one tie, 13 goals scored, and only two goals allowed.
With two goals and three assists under the former Brighton coach, Mount's statistics are extremely entertaining to see.
He made an impression in Potter's first two games as a No8 before switching to a more forward role, which led to his current deluge of goal contributions.
Versatile players like Mount are priceless because Potter is not afraid to alter his formation depending on the opposition he is facing.
The club appears to agree, as Stamford Bridge contract negotiations have apparently picked up steam recently.
A Desire For More
Surprisingly, Mount's two excellent goals against Villa last Saturday were his first Premier League goals of the season. He initially took advantage of a Tyrone Mings mistake before converting a free-kick in the second half.
After rising to the top tier and beginning to run, he demonstrated his desire to keep getting better.
It was enjoyable, he remarked. You should never go that long at the beginning of the season without scoring, but it happened to me the year before, so I know how to handle it.
"I am mentally strong so I stuck at it and, in my head, I knew they were going to come.
"Last season, I scored three after I scored my first goal — getting two others in the game. Today, I scored two so it doesn’t bother me too much even though I don’t want it to happen."
Upcoming World Cup
In light of the impending World Cup, Mount's outstanding performance can only be good news for England.
The former Derby loanee has long been one of Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate's go-to players, and it's doubtful that will change in Qatar next month.
He may almost be excused for wanting to save himself for the winter championship considering that the opening game against Iran is less than a month away, especially given that teammate Reece James' injury appears to have virtually ruled him out.
But the 32-cap international has stated that for the time being, with eight games left before the club season ends, all of his attention is squarely on Chelsea.
He said: "As a player you can never think of that because once that is in your mind then things can happen. I try not to ever think about not going 100% because I might get injured."
"Look, when you have got a massive World Cup coming up you don’t want it to happen but you’ve got to stay focused in every game you play."
"It is massively important for us to win games in the Premier League at this stage and you’ve got to try to stay fit."
"It is difficult and tough, we’re grinding out these games and hopefully when the World Cup comes around you will be as close to 100% as you can be."
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