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Glenn Hoddle claims Chelsea star should be appreciated more | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, September 19th 2025 at 5:34 GMT by Sporting News
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Glenn Hoddle Says Chelsea Star Mason Mount Deserves More Appreciation

A recent comment from former England manager and long‑time pundit Glenn Hoddle has stirred a fresh debate among Chelsea supporters. In an interview aired by The Talk of the Town on 12 August, Hoddle urged fans to recognize the true value of midfielder Mason Mount, describing him as “one of the best creative engines in the Premier League” and lamenting that his contributions are often overlooked.

The Context

The remarks came at a time when the Blues are preparing for their 2024‑25 campaign. Mount, who joined Chelsea in 2019 from Leicester City, has already made more than 200 appearances for the club, scoring 35 goals and providing 45 assists. He is credited with being the catalyst behind many of the club’s successes over the past three seasons, including their Champions League run and the domestic treble in 2020‑21.

Hoddle, who himself played for Chelsea during the 1993‑94 campaign, noted that Mount’s work rate, vision and ability to control the tempo of the game are often under‑appreciated, especially when compared with the more flashy forwards on the team. He added, “Fans want to celebrate the goals, but you can’t ignore the build‑up play that makes those goals possible.”

The former manager’s comments also echoed a broader discussion within the club’s fan community, which has long debated the merits of the club’s transfer policy. Many fans feel that Chelsea is buying high‑priced foreign stars while overlooking or under‑paying for home‑grown talent. Hoddle’s criticism of Mount’s under‑recognition was seen by some as a subtle indictment of the club’s approach to nurturing talent.

The Link to Mason Mount’s Contract

The article links to a Chelsea FC press release confirming that Mount has signed a new contract extension that keeps him at the club until 2027. The contract, worth £2.2 million per season, includes a release clause of £100 million. Hoddle pointed out that Mount’s long‑term future at the club is a testament to the club’s faith in his abilities. Yet, he argued, the fanbase still seems to be waiting for a “hero” in the same sense as they have for past stars like Frank Lampard or Michael Gibson.

The Broader Reaction

Hoddle’s statement sparked a mix of support and criticism on social media. On Twitter, former player and pundit Peter Crosby wrote, “Glenn is right. Mount is the unsung hero of this squad. The crowd needs to acknowledge his craft.” In contrast, a vocal segment of the fanbase expressed frustration, claiming that Hoddle’s critique is “dismissive of the club’s current squad and its dynamic” and that Mount has indeed earned widespread praise.

The Sporting News article also linked to a recent Sky Sports interview with Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel, who highlighted Mount’s role in the club’s tactical setup. Tuchel described Mount as “the fulcrum” in his 4‑3‑3 formation, noting that the midfielder’s passing range and decision‑making are crucial to the team’s attacking fluidity. Hoddle’s remarks, therefore, add a dimension of “player appreciation” to the managerial perspective already articulated by Tuchel.

A Look at the Past

The article delves into Hoddle’s own history with Chelsea, referencing a 2018 interview in which he praised the club’s youth development system. He also reminisces about his time alongside players like John Wilkinson and Kevin De Bruyne—players who later became key figures in the national team. Hoddle argues that Mount’s potential to emulate that trajectory is often eclipsed by the spotlight that shines on goal scorers.

The Implications for Chelsea’s Future

Hoddle’s comments come at a pivotal moment for Chelsea, as the club looks to balance its ambitions for domestic and European glory with a sustainable squad-building strategy. The article cites a recent report from The Guardian that discusses the club’s financial strategy, noting the shift toward “value‑based” signings. In that context, Hoddle’s critique is read as a call for the club to “recognise and reward talent that may not be flashy but is equally vital to the team’s success.”

Bottom Line

Glenn Hoddle’s call for fans to appreciate Mason Mount more than “the goal‑scoring stars” underscores an enduring conversation about the roles of midfielders in modern football. While the club’s management and some of the fanbase remain divided on whether Mount truly deserves extra attention, the discussion has undoubtedly spotlighted the crucial, often under‑celebrated, role that midfielders play in orchestrating a team’s success.

By linking to the player’s contract, the manager’s tactical analysis, and historical commentary, the Sporting News piece offers a comprehensive view of why Mount’s contribution merits a more pronounced acknowledgment—and whether fans will heed the seasoned analyst’s plea.