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Football London
Football London
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Luke Thrower

Rio Ferdinand praises ‘mad’ Chelsea player ahead of Real Madrid clash

Rio Ferdinand has been full of praise for Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, labelling him as a “mad player”. The 23-year-old has had an outstanding season so far, scoring ten and assisting 13 across all competitions.

Mount has been a standout since making his way through the academy, enjoying loans at Vitesse and Derby County during his development. He then made the breakthrough to the first team in 2019 under Frank Lampard.

In 151 competitive appearances for Chelsea, the midfielder has scored 27 and assisted 28, contributing to a goal once every three matches. It’s his commitment to the cause that has made him a stalwart for Thomas Tuchel since his arrival.

READ MORE: What Real Madrid fans have done ahead of Chelsea Champions League quarter-final clash

Talking to the official Chelsea website last month, Tuchel said: “It is always a pleasure to work with Mason because he is the kind of guy who comes with a smile on his face to every single training session. It is always 100 per cent in matches, he accepts every challenge and that is why it is so nice to work with him.”

It is also something that has seen Mount become a regular in Gareth Southgate’s England squad, which is no easy task. Former Manchester United defender and pundit Rio Ferdinand has joined in with praise for the England international ahead of the Champions League quarter-final with Real Madrid.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand said: “Mount is a mad player. On and off the ball, that’s what I love about him. He gives you both sides of the game.

“Young players watching the game, if you watch Mount, he’s efficient with it, and he can bang, but it’s the work ethic and the positions he takes up defensively. That’s why he’ll always play for England because I think you can rely on him.”

Tuchel will certainly be hoping that he can see the best of Mount when his side face off against Real Madrid on Tuesday. Should he turn up, the Blues face a better chance of making the final four of the competition.

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