Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp insists that he can understand the drop-off in form that Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount had experienced in the last few months prior to his goal against Everton at Stamford Bridge.
After a very encouraging start to his debut season at Premier League level, scoring five times and grabbing two assists in the opening 15 games of the campaign, Mount's form had somewhat dipped in recent months.
The England international had not found the back of the net since early December until he opened the scoring against the Toffees at Stamford Bridge.
After such a brilliant start to the campaign, questions have now been asked of Mount's qualities, with some asking if he is capable of being a top class player at this level.
But Redknapp sprang to Mount's defence, pointing out the reasons as to why the 21-year-old may have lost his mojo in recent months.
"That is usual, he is a young player, he has got into the team and is playing with different players," Redknapp told Sky Sports.
"But today, that midfield... you have got Billy Gilmour, who is going to sit in a three [man midfield] or whatever way they play in. He has got to make sure that he gets Mason Mount alongside him and Ross Barkley is inclined to run forward and sometimes vacate that space.
"It is a big job for him [Mount]."
Redknapp's comments on Mount led to Roy Keane weighing in on the debate about too much being expected too soon from young English players.
Keane said: "The only downside I would say to when a young English player bursts onto the scene is that everyone just gets carried away about players, saying: 'Would he be the answer to this because he is young and plays for Chelsea, or plays for Everton, or is he the answer for Gareth Southgate?'
"Give these boys a chance. I think if you are English and can trap the ball, everyone thinks you are a superstar. Give these kids a chance and let them learn their trade.
"This is not the players' fault, it is more the media. As soon as a player from England comes onto the scene everyone gets too carried away with them.
"Let these players learn their trade, mature and get 100 or 200 games under their belt."
