Mason Mount has been flaunting his muscular frame as Chelsea ramp up their preparations for the new season at a training base in Los Angeles.
The attacking midfielder, 23, was one of Thomas Tuchel's key players last campaign and made a remarkable 53 appearances across all competitions. During that time, he scored 13 goals and registered 16 assists as the Blues won the Club World Cup, but he is clearly targeting more improvement in the season to come.
While Mount had a slight figure at the time of his Chelsea debut in August 2019, he has equipped himself to go toe-to-toe with the elite Premier League enforcers with his subsequent work in the gym. The England international hopes his extra mass will help him as he gets stuck into challenges - but he is keen not to lose any of his sharpness on the ball in the process.
"I think it's just natural, as soon as you get older you start filling out a bit more," Mount told Sky Sports. "Over the last three years, I've gained a bit more structure. It's something I work on. You want to be someone that's able to put yourself about a bit as a midfielder but people are picking up on it.
"It's not done yet, it's a long journey and it's only the start of it. You want to work at that side but you've still got to be sharp and agile, and doing the stuff I do, pressing and running forward. You've got to be able to do that as well, so it comes hand in hand."
Mount will have the chance to put his new, bulked-up physique to the test as Chelsea take on Mexican side Club America in Las Vegas, Nevada in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Is Mason Mount the best player on Chelsea's books? Have your say in the comments!
The Blues are then due to take on Charlotte in North Carolina next Thursday and old rivals Arsenal in Orlando, Florida next Saturday before returning to Europe. A friendly against Udinese in Italy at the end of July will serve as a final chance for Tuchel to fine tune his side ahead of the Premier League opener against Everton on 6 August.
Chelsea added Raheem Sterling to their ranks on Wednesday as the England winger completed a £50million transfer from Manchester City. Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly is also close to moving to Stamford Bridge for £33million and Presnel Kimpembe is next on the Blues' shortlist. Paris Saint-Germain are believed to be demanding a package totalling just over £50million for the Frenchman.
