If there is a name that has spent this whole season reminding people of their own abilities, it is Mason Mount.
The Manchester United midfielder has gone through many obstacles in recent years. From injuries, unexpected performances, to being terminated by Chelsea - the club he has been with for 18 years.
However, the 26-year-old player's determination to fight in times that seemed deadlocked is beginning to be rewarded. Mount has started in the last 3 matches and hopes to be in the starting lineup for the fourth consecutive time at Old Trafford. Newcastle will visit on Boxing Day at Man United's holy home.
Overcoming all those obstacles is not easy, but Mount believes that his resilience was formed from the early years of pursuing the dream of becoming a professional player.
For a young player, the most important thing is always to be in the first team. I think when I was young, I didn't encounter many difficulties. I was very lucky to play in strong teams and win many victories.
Then when you get older, you understand that there will definitely be ups and downs. And the difficult times I go through are losing important matches or losing the final. That is definitely something you must learn and overcome" - the England international said.
Just over a year ago, Mount experienced one of the worst moments in Man United's colors. Trusted by new coach Ruben Amorim to start in the Manchester derby against Man City, he only played 12 minutes before being forced to leave the field due to injury.
This is another physical shock for Mount. He clearly showed disappointment when leaving the field, walking next to Man United's physical therapists.
Everything is very difficult, because the new coach has just arrived. I am gradually integrating into the team. When I felt that, I thought this would definitely not be a good match.
You need a few days to get used to it. But for me, the important thing is always that I have returned. The question is what can I do to recover as quickly as possible and reach the best condition?" - Mount recalled.
Mount's efforts were gradually rewarded. In the 1-2 defeat to Aston Villa, Gary Neville commented that the "Red Devils" were a better team with Mount on the field. That assessment, in many ways, was "bought" by the training hours that Mount persistently accumulated to prove his worth.
There are many things people don't see. But inside, I think bringing that energy to the field - for myself and for my teammates - is extremely important.
The fact that people see me starting to put pressure, even put pressure on the goalkeeper even when there is no clear opportunity, also creates motivation for the rest of the team" - Mount added.
If Mount reaches the peak of his form, some people may start thinking about this player being able to participate in the 2026 World Cup. England national team coach, Thomas Tuchel, understands Mount very well, because this midfielder assisted the decisive goal that helped Tuchel's Chelsea win the Champions League in 2021.
I always say that everything starts with the club. If you perform well at the club, you will have a chance to be called up to the national team. First of all, if we play well, if we win the match, if we rise to the top of the rankings, then that opportunity will always be present" - the former Chelsea player shared.
