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

Pundit praises Mount in midfield role

Danny Murphy was left highly impressed by Mason Mount’s performance against Burnley in our 3-0 win on the weekend.

Speaking on Match of the Day, Murphy spoke about how the England international stood out in the 4-3-3 system as a number eight.

‘Look at the numbers for Mason Mount today,’ he said, as reported by the Daily Express. ’We’ve talked about his energy before, his tenacity, all those aspects, but the creativity of him I think gets a little underplayed at times.’

‘This is what I want to see from him in that position, all over the pitch, getting on the ball, driving forward, bringing other players into play.’

Murphy also added that the more Mount excels in his position, the bigger his chance will be of Gareth Southgate deploying him in the centre of the pitch for England.

Mount on the weekend completed 73 of his 80 passes (91 per cent pass completion) and won three tackles. He also had two shots on target.

Chelsea linked with Malmo centre-back

After a successful summer window, the Blues are rumoured to already be preparing to continue efforts to bolster Frank Lampard’s side.

According to Swedish reports, repeated in the Daily Mail, Chelsea are planning to make a move for Bosnian-Herzegovinian international Anel Ahmedhodzic in a deal that would cost around £8 million.

The six-foot-four-inch centre-back spent last season on loan at Hobro in the Danish top flight and has impressed since returning to his parent club, Malmo.

In the summer, Lampard boosted his defence by bringing in two centre-backs on free deals, Thiago Silva, who has featured regularly and Malang Sarr who is spending the season out on loan at Porto.

Ahmedhodzic has also had his fair share of English football. Earlier in his career, he spent three years at Championship club Nottingham Forest.

Arsenal new boy praises idol Essien

Arsenal’s latest signing has opened up on his desire to follow in the footsteps of African great Michael Essien.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Thomas Partey praised his fellow countryman and spoke out on his desire to match how he contributed defensively to that great Chelsea team all those years ago.

‘I like to be both defensive and offensive. I know whenever I am in the opposition area, I have chances for a goal and I think defensively, I want to be stronger.

‘I want to attack like Yaya Toure and defend like Michael Essien so to have both qualities is good’ he told Sky Sports.

Essien, who has seen Partey play and keeps in regular contact with the former Atletico Madrid man offered his help to the midfielder for any questions, except when he has to play Chelsea.