Graham Potter hails Mason Mount and Kepa Arrizabalaga ahead of Chelsea's Brentford trip
- Heinrich Griessel
- 18 October 2022
Chelsea manager Graham Potter is confused by the criticism aimed at Mason Mount, and pleased by goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga's return to form.
New Blues boss Potter hailed coaching England star Mount a genuine pleasure, and admitted being nonplussed by those who do not rate the 23-year-old.
Mount has returned to form under Potter in a slightly deeper midfield role, having battled for fluency at the start of the campaign.
Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel both raved about Mount in their Chelsea tenures, while Gareth Southgate relies heavily on the Portsmouth-born creator with England.
Potter has joined that line of managers to identify Mount as a central Chelsea cog, and also revealed his surprise at a lack of faith in his talents in some quarters.
Asked how he has found coaching Mount, Potter replied: "It's a joy; he's a fantastic person, he loves to play football and he loves the club here.
"It's surprising though, I get a few questions, there seems to be mixed opinion on Mason. I find that strange, especially from the outside.
"And then 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."
Arrizabalaga is fast establishing himself in goal for Chelsea, with Edouard Mendy forced to bide his time for chances under the ex-Brighton manager.
Spain stopper Kepa has always battled to assert his Stamford Bridge authority since his big-money move from Athletic Bilbao in 2018.
But now the 28-year-old has a chance to do just that, with Potter both impressed and delighted.
Asked if he now has a clear first-choice goalkeeper, Potter replied: "I always think that it's better to let football decide, and Kepa's done really well.
"He's being supported fantastically by Edou.
"Kepa's form is really pleasing for everybody, especially for him.
"It's nice we've got competition in that area. That's how everyone gets better.
"Kepa's a human being and a player, and they all want to play and contribute. And he's doing that, so it's brilliant for him.
"It's a nice example that it doesn't always go your way, and you have to suffer in life sometimes, it's not always perfect.
"I've been really impressed with his character and personality, he's very professional, understands the game really well, takes responsibility.
"So it's nice when those type of people get the rewards, which is a reward for their hard work and effort."
