The Portuguese coach says he knew Mount had the talent but thought it would take time before he establishes himself at Chelsea.
Following Chelsea’s transfer ban and the departure of star player Eden Hazard before the start of the 2019-2020 season, the-then head coach Frank Lampard decided to wager on the academy graduates to deliver for the Blues.
Having already spent the previous two seasons with Vitesse and Derby County respectively, Mount took a big step in his career by playing for his boyhood club.
The England international featured 53 times for Chelsea, scoring eight goals in his first season and helping the Blues finished fourth in the Premier League coupled with a place in the FA Cup final where they were beaten by London rivals Arsenal.
Mount took his game to another level in the just ended season and was named Chelsea player of the season after helping Chelsea to Champions League glory and a top four finish.
He scored nine goals and made nine assists in 54 appearances under both Lampard and Thomas Tuchel.
In an interview with the media, the former Chelsea and Manchester United head coach has weighed in on the 22-year-old’s development in West London.
Quizzed on what is Mount’s best position, Mourinho told The Times: “Everywhere.”
The Portuguese continued: “I have to be honest. I watched him two seasons ago in his first [Premier League] match, Manchester United against Chelsea at Old Trafford, and I saw the talent but I didn’t see maturity or consistency.
“I put a little bit of a question mark over how long this boy would need to develop and become a complete player. He didn’t need long.
“I think he has to thank Frank because even with results not being wonderful he was always keeping faith in that kid. He gave him incredible conditions to develop.
“I believe he is an attack-minded player, a creative player, but he has the tactical discipline.”
Mourinho added: “Mount is a team player.
“We see him now with Tuchel coming from the sides, when with Frank he was more of a No 10. When they play with a back five, he can be the third attacking player or the third midfield player.
“I think he is very, very intelligent on the pitch. From what I see, he has a very good understanding of the game.
“He has goals, which is an important thing for a midfield player. I like him very much.”
