Paul Merson is a 'big fan' of Chelsea's second-best player but shares Antonio Rudiger worries

Former Arsenal hero and Chelsea fan Paul Merson has showered Blues midfielder, Mason Mount, with immense praise, claiming that the England international was the club's second-best player last season behind Antonio Rudiger.

Since being handed the opportunity to break into the first eleven under Frank Lampard three years ago, Mount has established himself as a regular first-team starter and has continued to maintain strong levels of consistency no matter what position he has been tasked to play.

Last season, the 23-year-old managed to achieve his most productive Premier League campaign to date, registering eleven goals and ten assists in thirty-two appearances.

The performances delivered by Mount has impressed Merson massively, who claims to be a 'big fan' of the player, just like the majority of the Chelsea fanbase. In his latest column, Merson wrote: "I'm a big fan of Mason Mount – he was consistently good for Chelsea throughout the season."

He then discussed how difficult it could be to find a replacement for Rudiger, who has recently signed a four-year deal for Spanish giants Real Madrid.

The German international's status as a free transfer at the end of the season was quickly exploited by Los Blancos, and Merson believes that he will be a huge loss for Thomas Tuchel's men.

"Antonio Rudiger's been absolutely outstanding for Chelsea. I can't remember him having a bad game, if I'm being honest. He's been consistently brilliant in the Premier League this season.

"Rudiger's going to be a massive miss for Thomas Tuchel next season. He's going to be a hard one to replace, and I'm not sure if the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly and Jules Kounde can fill his boots.

"If there is a worry for Chelsea this year, it's finding Rudiger's