Frank Lampard was full of praise for Mason Mount, who capped a fine pre-season with an excellent performance after Chelsea played a draw at Borussia Monchengladbach on nSaturday.

The London club looked horribly exposed in midfield in the first half as the home side ran up a 2-0 lead, yet they recovered with a much better second-half performance which saw two penalties, scored by Tammy Abraham and Ross Barkley, secure the 2-2 draw.

It was Mount’s quick feet and agile change of direction that fooled Keanan Bennetts to win the later penalty in the 85th minute, which Barkley stuck in off the post.

And the 20-year-old, who played under Lampard on loan at Derby last season, is now pressing his claims to start against Manchester United following an afternoon of intelligent pressing, incisive passing and close control.

‘He has done a lot,’ said Lampard. ‘I’m really happy with how he’s training, how he’s playing and his status in the group coming back here. The players recognise quality instantly but they also recognise work rate and character — and Mason has all of those.

‘He has given me a problem. Ross Barkley also had a good pre-season and Ruben Loftus-Cheek will be back later on. It’s good, as they’re all adaptable. It doesn’t have to be just one. They can play in a variety of positions. I couldn’t ask for more from what Mason has done.’