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

Van Dijk expects fresh challenge from the Blues

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk feels the Reds cannot take anything for granted in the Super Cup against Chelsea despite the departure of Eden Hazard from Stamford Bridge, the Evening Standard reports.

While the Belgian has left, van Dijk feels the Blues still have enough quality players to worry the Reds in the clash in Istanbul.

‘[Hazard] is a quality player and he was important to them but I think they [have] plenty of quality players,’ said the 28-year-old Dutchman.

‘I think they play a little bit different than they did last year. We will analyse them over the next couple of days and then we will be prepared.

‘Nothing that happened last season will have any impact on what is going to happen. It is the next game. It is going to be a new game.

‘They have a new situation at the club there but we want to do better than we did last year and we will see.’

Analyst breaks down Mount’s positive display

Tactical analyst Michael Cox believes Mason Mount did an excellent job in his attacking role for the Blues at Old Trafford on Sunday despite ending up on the losing side.

The youngster came under fire from Jose Mourinho after our 4-0 defeat but writing on The Athletic website*, Cox refuted the criticism of the former Chelsea boss and explained how well the youngster had performed on his Premier League debut.

‘Mount feels like the symbol of Frank Lampard’s new-look Chelsea side. A youth product who joined the club at the age of six and who enjoyed a fine campaign on loan at Lampard’s Derby County last season,’ he said.

‘With the support of both Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic behind him, Mount was given freedom to push forward and link with lone striker Abraham.

‘And, by and large, he played that role excellently. The vast majority of Chelsea’s brightest moments involved the 20-year-old, as he linked play and made dangerous runs into the right-hand channel.’

Cox pointed out several examples of Mount’s involvement in the Chelsea attack during the first half when we continually worked decent openings down the right.

But while he had plenty of praise for the youngster, he also feels Mount has room for improvement.

‘His final ball was poor on two occasions in the first half, but few who have observed [Mount’s] career would suggest he lacks the requisite quality in terms of technique or decision-making,’ added Cox.

‘Mourinho may not have been impressed, but Lampard understandably sees plenty of reason for positivity.’

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Zappacosta and Piazon linked with moves abroad

While the transfer window in England has closed, it has not stopped the rumour mill from speculating on a couple of Chelsea players who could be on the move to clubs in Europe.

The transfer window in Italy closes on 23 August and Sport Witness, citing a report by Italian daily Corriere dello Sport, indicates full-back Davide Zappacosta may be returning to Serie A to join Roma.

‘AS Roma are thinking of bringing him in to fill the void left by the departure of Rick Karsdorp,’ states the report.

‘Needing depth in the role, the Italians are working on a loan with a view to buy for the former Torino star, who made 17 appearances in all competitions last year, with most coming in Chelsea’s successful Europa League campaign.’

Meanwhile, Piazon is being linked with a permanent move to Turkish side Besiktas, according to ESPN Brasil journalist Jorge Nicola.

In a tweet, Nicola revealed Besiktas have made a five million euro offer for the Brazilian midfielder, who has also attracted interest from Spanish side Real Sociedad and French club Rennes.

Piazon spent the second half of last season on loan at Italian side Chievo.