Lampard reveals Mount started over Pulisic in Chelsea clash with Man Utd after impressing him in pre-season
FRANK LAMPARD revealed Mason Mount's pre-season and loan stint with Derby earned him a spot in Chelsea's starting line up against Manchester United.
Lampard's debut game in charge saw him pick 20-year-old Mount but leave big-money signing Christian Pulisic on the bench.
At Derby, in what was Lamps' first season in management, he had the Chelsea academy product on loan.
Mount netted 11 times last season and featured heavily for the the Blues in pre-season - impressing enough to start in the No10 role at Old Trafford.
The decision meant no place in the team for Pulisic, 20, who cost the club £58million.
Lampard said: “Hopefully continuation of his form from working with him last season, from pre-season, I think he stepped up even a level there.
“He deserves his opportunity and I talk about energy he’s got that in abundance but he’s also got quality.
“This is a great test for him and I’ve got complete confidence in him and I’m not just talking about today I’m talking about him as a player in general.
“The group have complete respect for him because of the way he goes about his business daily and I do, so yeah, deserving of his chance."
Chelsea News
Ross Barkley started the game out on the left with Pedro on the opposing wing.
Fans' favourite N'Golo Kante was deemed not match fit for the game in Manchester, despite returning to the squad.
Lampard gave 21-year-old Tammy Abraham the nod up front ahead of Olivier Giroud.