These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.

Mount responds to Fabregas praise

Cesc Fabregas took to Twitter in admiration of Mason Mount’s assist for Callum Hudson-Odoi last night in our Champions League fixture against Rennes.

Mount pressed a Rennes midfielder to win the ball and turned to pick out Hudson-Odoi who’s finish made it two goals in two consecutive away Champions League games for the 20-year-old.

Fabregas, who registered 111 assists during his time in the Premier League, supplied many Chelsea attackers with the long balls from deep-lying areas of the pitch which Mount provided.

The Spaniard tweeted: ‘Mason Mount, fantastic’ as the Blues secured early qualification for the knockout stages through an Olivier Giroud header.

Mount replied to Fabregas after the game saying: ‘Thanks magician, been watching your assists.’

Cole applauds ‘underrated’ Giroud

Olivier Giroud proved his quality and instant impact again last night when he scored our winner in added time.

The Frenchman leapt to reach the rebound after a save by Rennes goalkeeper Alfred Gomis to win all three points with his first Champions League goal for Chelsea.

In the BT Sport studio and also reported in the Daily Mail, former Chelsea star Joe Cole named Giroud as one of the most underrated players in the Premier League.

‘It was a great header from Giroud. That was amazing,’ said Cole.

‘There’s a reason why Didier Deschamps relies on him for France.

‘It’s not just moments like today such as getting the winning goal, it’s his general demeanour around the place, he’s a good player in the dressing room.

‘I think he’s one of the Premier League’s most underrated players, he has consistently performed whether it be for Arsenal or Chelsea.’

Former Blues goalkeeper impressed by defence

Rob Green has admitted that defensive stability at the back has helped Edouard Mendy fit in at Chelsea.

The Senegalese international has kept seven clean sheets in his first 10 games for the club and continues to have a calming presence at the back.

‘When you are looking at it, Thiago Silva and Reece James have played a lot and there is Cesar Azpilicueta and Kurt Zouma,’ Green told Sky Sports.

‘Thiago Silva has been in there with his positional sense, his ability to pull people around him and get them into the positions that he wants to.’

Mendy returned to his former side Rennes last night and even though we conceded, the defensive line still showed the skills they have been expressing in the Premier League away from home. Green thinks the trust has been key.

‘The trust is there. The defence puts trust in the attack at Chelsea, that the guys up front will score.

‘With the goalkeeper, I think he has looked assured. Playing out from the back is something that can be worked on, but they have managed to change the style of play slightly and it has suited them.’