Raphinha & Sterling to Chelsea: What happens to Mason Mount?

James Shearman

• Updated: 29 Jun 2022 13:38 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea look set to complete the signings of Raphinha and Raheem Sterling in the coming days, from Leeds United and Manchester City, respectively.

The attacking duo will add plenty to Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea squad, who scored 76 goals in the Premier League last season - 23 shy of Man City's title-winning tally.

Goals have long been a problem for the Blues, one which the two incoming stars will be tasked with solving.

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However, one player that did perform to expectations in front of goal last season, or even above, was England international Mason Mount.

Mount scored 11 times in the league, while also registering an impressive 10 assists.

This record earned him the club's player of the season award for the second year running.

But with the new Chelsea board, fronted by American billionaire Todd Boehly, spending over £100 million on attacking talent, Mount's place is in the team may no longer be guaranteed.

So what role in the Chelsea side, if any, could Mount fulfill in the 2022-23 season?

What happens to Mason Mount?

Thomas Tuchel has opted for a 3-4-3 system at Stamford Bridge, ever since taking over from Frank Lampard midway through the 2020-21 campaign.

And, the decision has been a successful one, winning the Blues' second Champions League title and finishing in the top four of the Premier League in consecutive seasons.

However, with the additions of Raphinha and Raheem Sterling, as well as the losses of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen in defence, now could be the time for a change.

In the current 3-4-3 formation, Sterling and Raphinha could occupy both sides of the front three with no issues.

But, that would leave Mount to play in either a false nine role, or in a two-man midfield - neither of which would suit the 23-year-old.

So, in order to accommodate Mount into his Chelsea team, Tuchel could switch to a 4-3-3 system.

Raphinha and Sterling would occupy the same positions on the flanks as in a 3-4-3, except Mount could now play in a three-man midfield.

The former Derby County loanee has both the tactical awareness and the work rate to perform well in a deeper role.

And, with the likes of N'Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho alongside him, he would still be given the license to venture forward.

Undoubtedly, his creative output would take some sort of hit, but the addition of Raphinha should compensate for that, and some more.

So, if switching to a 4-3-3 is the only way to get Mount into the Chelsea team for the 2022-23 season, then so be it.

The 23-year-old has the necessary tools to make a resounding success of the decision, even if it isn't where he'd ideally like to be.