Chelsea Rising Star Proving Lionel Messi's Comment About Him Is Right

A Chelsea rising star is living up to what Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has predicted about him.

Prior to his first-team debut season with Chelsea, midfield sensation Mason Mount was a name only few have heard of. But when the English player finally got the chance to showcase his skills on the pitch, it didn’t take long for a certain Messi to recognize his game.

Mount’s form at Stamford Bridge has seen him tipped to reach the top by several famous personalities of the sport. But for obvious reasons, the most notable comment of them all was from six-time Ballon d’or winner Messi.

It will be remembered that the Argentine icon once said "having watched him (Mount) play, he has the potential to be one of the best.”

Apparently, Messi was right about what he saw in Mount as the midfielder has now become a star in Chelsea. Prior to the lockdown, Mount has enjoyed an encouraging debut season in the Premier League. Mount’s first run under Chelsea boss Frank Lampard already saw him rack up 41 Blues appearances, not to mention a short slump around the festive period. Thus far, he has been one of the most notable Chelsea players this season, scoring a total 6 goals and dishing out 5 assists.

Blues boss Lampard also spoke of how Mount impressed him with his quality, work rate and character right from the very start of the season, Football.london reported.

"He’s done a lot," Lampard said in pre-season. "Coming back here, obviously I worked with him last year, and I’m really happy with how he’s trained and his status within the group.

Aside from Messi, Lampard himself also revealed how Mount impressed him with his quality, work rate and ethic despite playing only his very first season with the club. According to Lampard, Mount has been doing a lot for the team and he’s happy with how his teammates recognize it.

"He’s done a lot. Coming back here, obviously I worked with him last year, and I’m really happy with how he’s trained and his status within the group,” Lampard said of Mount.

Sky Sports pundit and former Liverpool midfielder Graeme James Souness also agreed with Messi and Lampard, hailing Mount as a "star in the making.” Speaking before Chelsea's 2-1 victory against Premier League rivals Arsenal in December, Souness suggested that England manager Gareth Southgate should consider building his side around Mount.

"I think if you are an England manager you have got to be looking at him (Mount) very closely. I know he is young. Starting with him, building your midfield around him. He silky, sees a great picture, has brilliant technique, looks to be a great type and works his socks off,” Souness pointed out.