MASON MOUNT believes going back to basic instincts has got him in the goals again.
Chelsea’s England midfielder ended his 2020 scoring drought with a classy finish in Sunday’s 4-0 romp against Everton.
Mount claims he was over-thinking things in front of goal before his strike against EvertonCredit: Getty
Mount gave Chelsea the lead in the 4-0 win over EvertonCredit: PA:Empics Sport
Mount, 21, got the Blues underway with the first on 14 minutes by spinning on his heels and rifling a shot low into the bottom corner to hit the target for the first time since December 4.
And he said: “I have been over-thinking it. I have been so focused on my need to score that it has not been coming my way and I have been snatching at it.
“In the Everton game it was the total opposite. It wasn’t in my head, I just focused on the performance and it came.
“I kind of saw it on the big screen. I have found recently that I have been trying too hard to score and taking shots when off-balance.
“When you are so focused on scoring and thinking ‘I need to score’ then you do that. It does happen that you start snatching at it.
“You don’t take your time and focus on your technique enough.
“I have been going wrong recently and need to stay calm and not try to go looking for it as much as I have been.
“It just happened. I took a touch and turned and finished. I just didn’t think about it too much.”
Chats with his dad, Tony — a football coach himself back home in Portsmouth — and with boss Frank Lampard has also helped Mount rediscover his touch in front of goal just as the race for the Premier League top four hots up.
Mount, who now has six goals this season, added: “My dad is very into football and watching my game and where I can improve.
“He helps me a lot. He is here every game and watches every game. He tells me after every game what I did the best and what I didn’t do well and where I need to improve.”
Mount also reckons rising star Billy Gilmour could one day become the new N’Golo Kante at the heart of Chelsea’s team.
He has been totally blown away by the 18-year-old midfielder’s mature performances in the past week.
Gilmour added to his brilliant display in the FA Cup win over Liverpool by playing a starring role in his first Premier League start against Everton.
The Scot has already shown his versatility and durability with the way he handles the rough stuff in a game and how he demands the ball.
I had no doubts about him coming in, stepping up and performing like the way he has in the last two games.
Mount on Gilmour
Mount said: “I know what he is as a player, as a boy. I am very close to him so I know what character he has.
“I had no doubts about him coming in, stepping up and performing like the way he has in the last two games.
“I have massive confidence in him and he shows it when he comes out onto the pitch. He’s played in that holding role, where he’s been very good.
“Probably the holding role is one of the hardest but he is very comfortable on the ball and he is very confident. That’s probably his best position.
“He is very grounded. He has got a very, very good family around him and he is a very screwed-on boy so that won’t get to him at all.
“I won’t let it get to him as well — I’ll keep him grounded! No, he’ll be fine.
“The young players coming through are going to have these challenges.
“It is obviously a big achievement to make it into the first team, to start a game at home at Stamford Bridge.”
Gilmour sat in front of the back four in Sunday’s 4-0 victory.
And he could continue in that role at Aston Villa in Saturday’s teatime clash as there is no date set for Kante’s return from an adductor injury.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
