Mount opens up on 'crazy journey' capped by Chelsea winning the UCL

Over the course of 2020-21, Mason Mount revolutionised his reputation from a young prodigy to one of Europe's top midfielders, and has been reflecting on a stunning campaign before the Euro's.

The 22-year-old topped it all off in Porto, with a superb pass teeing-up Kai Havertz to score the winner in the Champions League final.

Mount's 54 matches last season demonstrates how critical the Blues academy graduate has been, heading into Euro 2020 with England in stunning form.

‘It’s been special for me to come through this long journey that I’ve been on and to now be in the first team,’ the Portsmouth-born star told his club's website.

‘Without the Academy, I wouldn’t be sitting here now so for me to win this Player of the Year award, I give it to them.  It’s down to them that I’ve got here. It’s been a crazy journey and they’ve lived with me through it.'

The inevitable drama that surrounds Chelsea meant it wasn't all plain sailing for Mount, with Frank Lampard's exit expected to be a huge blow for him.

The Blues icon was sacked in January after a poor run, but it was Lampard who blooded Mount alongside the likes of Tammy Abraham, Reece James and Billy Gilmour.

Mount responded brilliantly, though, quickly winning Thomas Tuchel over after the German was appointed.

‘There have been a few tough moments,’ Mount added. ‘Losing a few games where we should have won always hurts a lot and the Arsenal away game is something I remember that really hurt me because of where we were in the table and the fact we needed to win but didn’t.

‘Of course, Frank leaving was a tough period, not just for me but the club as well. You’re still in the middle of a season so you really have to try and move on but it’s tough to do.

'The new manager came in quickly so you just have to stay positive and really look forward to the next games.

‘Losing the FA Cup final also took a big toll on me and affected me quite a lot, to have that experience again of losing in a final. I felt we were in a very good position and it’s a trophy I’ve always wanted to win after winning two FA Youth Cups so that was a horrible feeling.

‘You never want that feeling again but football is always up and down and as a footballer you learn about how to deal with those moments.’

Mount was unfortunate not to be named Premier League young player of the season, with Phil Foden scooping the award despite starting only a little more than half as many top-flight games.