Mason Mount proved worthy of Ballon d’Or ranking against Watford

Following a frustrating draw at Stamford Bridge against Manchester United on Sunday, it was important for Chelsea to take care of business against a significantly weaker opponent in Watford midweek. The Blues’ 2-1 victory over the Hornets, while at times stressful, was yet another example of the team’s ability to overcome a subpar performance and secure all three points. Ultimately, this is one of the biggest differences between the current squad and the version with Frank Lampard at the helm. Consistent success in these types of matches will be crucial on the path to the Premier League title.

Chelsea’s best player and unsurprisingly, the Man of the Match, against Watford was Mason Mount. The English starlet was involved in both goals, guiding the opener in from a clean Kai Havertz layoff and providing an accurate cross from the left flank to Hakim Ziyech for the second. The first goal of the match really should have come earlier, as well, when Mount sent a shot pinging off the near post in the 19’.

Mason Mount proved with his performance at Vicarage Road that he is deserving of his 19th-place finish in the Ballon d’Or voting on Monday

The 22-year-old’s industrious work in the midfield was also invaluable once Thomas Tuchel shifted the team’s formation from a 3-4-3 to a 3-1-4-2 in the 60’ because of Trevoh Chalobah’s injury. Mount and Ziyech sat just ahead of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who was playing in a less advanced role, necessitating that the tandem provide energy in defense while also supporting the two forwards, Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic, going forward. Chelsea’s No. 19, who totaled 17 pressures—eight of which came in the defensive third—simply played an all-around outstanding game, which may be partly due to a confidence boost from earlier in the week.

On Monday, November 29, it was announced that Mount finished 19th in the 2021 Ballon d’Or rankings, fourth among his Chelsea teammates and second-highest of any English player. Perhaps even more sweetly for Blues supporters, the Cobham product placed above both Bruno Fernandes (21st) and Phil Foden (25th) for football’s top prize. The three are often times compared because they play in similar positions and rose to international prominence around the same time. While I would obviously never argue that Ballon d’Or placement is the most accurate benchmark for ranking players, it is another check in Mount’s box.

The timing of this impressive performance was opportune also because it came in a difficult moment for the young attacking midfielder. Mount had been suffering from an infection after having his wisdom teeth removed in early November, which resulted in him losing a noticeable amount of weight and pushed back his recovery time by a few matches. A setback like this can definitely be frustrating for a young player, especially one who is used to playing week-in, week-out like Mount. This display of determination, though, shows why every one of his coaches has praised him as an essential member of their squad.

Chelsea’s 2-1 win solidifies the team’s spot at the top of the EPL table for at least the remaining midweek matches, but the Blues will face a tough test in crosstown rival West Ham during the early kickoff on Saturday. Depending on his level of fitness, Mount will likely start and again be decisive in whether or not the European Champions come away victorious.

What did you make of Mount’s performance? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!