Mason Mount ends Chelsea argument as transfer window priority for Todd Boehly remains clear

It was a little more than a year ago that Mason Mount set himself a somewhat modest target for the 2021/22 season: score 10 goals for Chelsea in all competitions. The academy graduate achieved that in April – and then he went about adding to his total for the campaign.

Mount's 11th goal came in the Bernabeu against Real Madrid. Number 12 arrived in the FA Cup semi-final win over Crystal Palace. And his 13th and final strike of a gruelling season was the opener in the Blues' impressive 3-0 victory over Leeds United at Elland Road.

Year-on-year improvement; it's what Mount is about. So it was no surprise he reached double figures in terms of goals. What was perhaps more impressive, however, was that he doubled his assist total from eight to 16 during the 2021/22 campaign. It was a huge leap.

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Part of the reason for that is Mount was predominantly played in the forward line rather than in midfield. Another is that he took the majority of set pieces for Chelsea last term – and the Blues were a consistent threat from corners and free-kicks with the likes of Antonio Rudiger, Thiago Silva, and Trevoh Chalobah attacking crosses into the box.

Some – even those within the Chelsea fanbase – have tried to play down Mount's creative influence because he takes set pieces. It's a strange argument given the importance they have in the modern game; a player's ability to deliver the ball into the box at pace and with accuracy is a huge weapon.

Mount's contribution to Chelsea's season was recognised with supporters voting him Player of the Year. It meant he retained the accolade, a feat only Ray Wilkins, Frank Lampard, Juan Mata, and Eden Hazard had managed previously. And one of the early priorities for Chelsea's new ownership will