‘He can play anywhere’ – Danny Murphy hails Chelsea star Mason Mount after win against Villa

Former Liverpool and Tottenham midfielder Danny Murphy hailed Mason Mount following his Man of the Match display against Aston Villa by claiming the Chelsea playmaker could ‘play anywhere’.

The midfielder scored twice as Chelsea recorded a fortunate victory against Steven Gerrard’s side at Villa Park.

Chelsea were under the cosh for much of the first half and had Kepa to thank for keeping Chelsea in the game.

Nevertheless, Mount was the side’s standout performer aside from Kepa and his second goal – a 25-yard free-kick – was particularly eye-catching.

The midfielder’s form has improved dramatically since Graham Potter took charge and he’s on course for a starting spot in Gareth Southgate’s England side for the World Cup.

Despite outside criticism, Mount has featured under the last three Chelsea managers and Murphy says the midfielder could ‘play anywhere’.

‘Especially in the first half when Villa were massively on top he stood up and he showed leadership qualities,’ Murphy said on Match of the Day. ‘He got on the ball and he showed moments of quality which were rare for Chelsea. He’s a terrific talent, he can play anywhere. ‘He plays all the games, his versatility helps him. Today he played no.10. Early in the game he showed great awareness and yes it’s a mistake by Mings but you’ve still got to have the awareness to anticipate the mistake, which he did. ‘The thing when he plays central is he knows how to find space. Whether it’s drifting deeper or sometimes he’ll drift wide to where the space is. He’s just a really intelligent footballer. ‘His first goals of the season would you believe. it’s no coincidence that every manager that comes in keeps playing him every game.’

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