Mount told his father that big-money arrivals wouldn't take his place in Chelsea

Mason Mount's father has revealed the Chelsea star knew the club's big-money summer transfers wouldn't take his place in the team this season.

Many had feared for Mount's place in the team after Chelsea spent over £200million on new signings over the summer, but he has been the side's standout player this campaign.

The 22-year-old was a favourite under former manager Frank Lampard and it is proving to be the same under new man Thomas Tuchel, outperforming new arrivals Hakim Ziyech and Kai Havertz.

And Mount's father Tony has revealed the academy graduate was always confident he would continue to be one of Chelsea's main men.

'He saw the players coming in as a massive challenge,' Tony told talkSPORT. 'People were saying he would lose his place and he was aware of that.

'Mason's attitude was brilliant. He thought Chelsea were bringing quality into the club and he's desperate to win things.

'He didn't look at that as anything other than good for the club, good for the team, and a challenge for him.

'I remember talking to him about it and he said, 'They won't take my place, I'll raise my game'.'

Despite his impressive showings this season which has seen him register six goals and six assists, the midfielder has had his critics during his short career so far.

He was a known favourite under Lampard after the manager brought him loan to Derby County in the Championship before the pair were reunited at Chelsea the following season.

His consistent starting under Lampard and England manager Gareth Southgate led to critics perceiving he was only being picked because he had a good relationship with his bosses.

But Tonly has rubbished those claims, insisting he is picked because of his ability – and the fact Tuchel is now also starting him proves that, he says.

'I've always thought that was a load of rubbish,' Tony added. 'You're telling me Lampard picked a player 80 times because he likes him and he's a nice lad? He's there to win football matches.

'He had a trust and a relationship, Frank knew what he was about. That was the foundation at Derby and it carried on at Chelsea.

'Tuchel is building a relationship with him now and Mason really likes him, he thinks he's going to add something to his game and make him a better player, just like Frank.'

He added: 'We had loads of options when he came back from Vitesse, but he told me he wanted to sign for Derby so he could learn from one of the best Premier League midfield players ever, and that's what he did – on and off the pitch.

'Mason wouldn't be where he is now without the input of Frank.

'Frank Lampard, Thomas Tuchel, Gareth Southgate, Henk Fraser at Vitesse – they can't all be wrong, can they?'