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Why Frank Lampard may have already found the Eden Hazard replacement at Chelsea - Nicholas
Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount may end up being the long-term replacement to Eden Hazard, says Charlie Nicholas.
Mason Mount could eventually fill the void at Chelsea left by Eden Hazard’s departure, claims Arsenal hero Charlie Nicholas.
Blues academy graduate Mount has had a fine start to his first full season in the first team.
The 20-year-old midfielder already has a couple of goals to his name, starting four of the first five games of the Frank Lampard era at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea were unable to replace last season’s top scorer Eden Hazard in the summer due to their transfer ban.
You can’t replace Hazard but the signs are that he could play that role. Not as good as Hazard yet but the signs are very promising
Hazard left the club to join Real Madrid in a deal that could rise to £130million.
Nicholas admits it will be extremely difficult for Chelsea to find someone to fill the shoes of the Belgian.
However, he can see plenty of potential in Mount if he plays in the role Hazard occupied for many years in west London.
“Everywhere he gets the ball is usually in the last 40 yards and he’s always looking to do something,” Nicholas said on Soccer Saturday.
“He’s got this lovely whip, it’s a little bit like [David] Beckham actually, where he slightly looks off balance but he can whip it.
“He gets a real bit of movement on the ball.
“He is so assured and he’s only going to get better but I just wonder how they’re going to fit him in.
“You can’t replace Hazard but the signs are that he could play that role.
“Not as good as Hazard yet but the signs are very promising for this lad.”
Former Liverpool defender Phil Thompson is also a fan of Mount and the attacking desire he possesses.
“You look at Mount, he’s always looking - ‘Can I play forward first?’,” Thompson said.
“Rather than that easy option which is the square ball because ‘I’ve just come into it and he’s more experienced’.
“These young kids want to be recognised for what they are.
“Top players who are looking to progress and score goals.”