Roy Keane has launched a staunch defence of Chelsea star Mason Mount - and highlighted a key factor in his impressive recent form.
Mount came in for some stick online during the early part of this season but the England midfielder has been instrumental in helping Frank Lampard's side up the Premier League table.
Keane has been impressed by the youngster - and believes having fellow Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante behind him on a regular basis has been a big help.
Speaking ahead of Sunday's goalless draw with Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge, the Manchester United legend told Sky Sports Kante had helped Mount "massively".
He added: "We discussed it there off-screen, we were amazed about Kante not playing his position.
"I really like him (Mount). He’s got so much going for him. He’s fit, he plays the game.
"He scores goals, he’s got an assist, he can see the pass, I like everything about him.
"I know there’s criticism on social media, I don’t follow social media, thank God.
"It’s nice to see things on the eye, but off the ball is key.
"If Chelsea are looking to challenge again for big prizes, then that is key.
"He’s got Kante behind him, a World Cup winner, giving him that bit of freedom - it’s great to watch.”
Keane's fellow pundit Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink said of Mount: “He works so hard to get the ball back. He has so much quality, but off the ball, he doesn’t get enough credit.”
Former Chelsea striker Hasselbaink believes Kante has been key in the Blues' rise.
“Two months ago when you asked me about Chelsea, they were getting way too many goals against," he added.
"But they’re defending really well at the moment - they’re solid with the goalkeeper, (Thiago) Silva.
"For me, the biggest change is Kante - putting Kante in his position.”
