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

Zola hails rock solid Rudiger

Chelsea icon Gianfranco Zola has heaped praise on Blues centre-back Antonio Rudiger, who again showcased his strengths in the gritty win over Watford last night.

The Blues were perhaps fortunate to take all three points back to Stamford Bridge with us last night, but that didn’t stop Zola praising the Berlin-born defender.

In a report by Mail Online, the ex-West Ham and Birmingham boss commended his leadership qualities.

‘Chelsea defended so well from set pieces,' Zola said. 'Watford have big guys but they [the Chelsea defence] were always in good positions and Antonio Rudiger defended exceptionally well from set pieces.

'They won the game because of their great quality. I wouldn’t say they stole the game.’

‘Sometimes you don’t play your best, either because you aren’t in great form or the opposition puts you under pressure,' Zola added.

'But wins like this are important for the morale. Watford did everything they have to do, they started well and were competitive.

‘I guess it shows what the Premier League is about when Chelsea bring on (Hakim) Ziyech and (Romelu) Lukaku. This is the difference between big teams like Chelsea and Watford.'

Blues making early moves to bring Diaz in?

Chelsea have been given an asking price for Porto winger Luiz Diaz, according to reports.

The Blues have been reportedly interested in the Colombian’s services over the last few windows, with the wideman impressing with his attacking output in the Primera Liga and the Champions League.

Diaz has scored 10 goals in 12 appearances and has impressed in Champions League matches against Liverpool and AC Milan.

According to a report in the Metro, citing a Colombian journalist, the Blues are already eyeing a move for the forward ahead of the January transfer window.

‘The Premier League is the player's 'most likely' destination and that Chelsea have asked his club for more information about a potential move,' the report states.

‘The player has a £68m release clause written into his contract at Porto, although interest from the likes of Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Everton and Liverpool could spark a bidding war and push his fee higher than Chelsea have been quoted.’

Murphy lauds Mount for latest Blues cameo

Chelsea star Mason Mount has been earning plenty of plaudits after his Man of the Match performance in last night’s win over Watford.

Speaking on Match of the Day last night, TV pundit Danny Murphy is the latest person to sing the praises of the Cobham graduate.

‘Mount never does [disappoint]. He’s got that quality and that desire to keep getting into dangerous areas,’ Murphy said, in a story covered by the Metro.

‘They’ve got lots of quality players, but it was great to see him back. You know what you get from him.

‘You get a great touch, great technique and that willingness to get into areas. He’s always a threat.’

Murphy, who also featured in midfield in his playing days, believes boss Thomas Tuchel will be delighted to have Mount back fit and firing after injury and illness recently.

‘Chelsea were poor first half but they only needed one or two chances. Mount very rarely makes the wrong decision.

‘He was pivotal in the winner for Ziyech too. He’s actually been the top scorer since Tuchel came in and he’ll be delighted to have him back.’