When times are hard, loyalty is a precious trait in football — and Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount is as committed as they come. 

It has been a turbulent week at Stamford Bridge to say the least, with sanctions placed on club owner Roman Abramovich plunging the Blues into crisis and making for an uncertain future.

Mount’s goal at Norwich on Thursday night — celebrated in front of the away fans with a passionate kiss of the badge — was a reminder of the love he holds for his boyhood club. 

As Chelsea prepare to host in-form Newcastle this afternoon, we turn the spotlight on the Cobham graduate. 

Avoiding distractions

If the Blues had been below par at Carrow Road in midweek, it would have been with good reason.

The hours before kick-off were dominated by a raft of negative stories and speculation regarding the ownership situation.

However, Mount and his team-mates delivered a professional performance — something which the 23-year-old insisted was the squad’s sole focus.

Mount told Chelsea’s website: "There was a lot going on and you can’t really avoid things when it’s all over the news.

"Us players though, we just try and focus on what we have to do on the pitch and that’s our main objective. 

"You try not to look at the outside too much, we just focus on the task in hand.

"We knew we had a big game in the Premier League to prepare for and when you’re in the top three, looking to put pressure on the sides above you, that’s all you think about."

Back to his best

Mount registered a goal and assist against Norwich, bringing an end to an unusually quiet period in terms of end product for the England international.

First, his pinpoint corner caused carnage in the Canaries backline, allowing fellow homegrown star Trevoh Chalobah to stoop low and break the deadlock with a glancing header.

Just 10 minutes later, the Blues No19 got in on the act himself — and in some style.

Receiving Kai Havertz’s low pass 16 yards out, Mount expertly let the ball roll across his body to bamboozle opposing defender Timm Klose before taking a touch and curling emphatically into the far corner. 

It was his first strike since a mid-December strike against Everton — a goal which at the time marked his eighth in as many Premier League appearances.

Chelsea fans will dearly hope that his latest effort is the start of another hot streak.

Strings to his bow

A quick look at the stats shows that Mount offers far more to the Blues than just a goal threat.

His seven top-flight assists represent the sixth-highest haul in the division, with a league-high four of those coming directly from set-pieces.

Bruno Fernandes and Kevin De Bruyne are the only two Premier League midfielders who can better his eight big chances created this term, while his 325 final third passes also place him inside the division's top 10 in his position.

Another quality which is hard to quantify is Mount’s versatility — something which has boosted his value at both club and international level.

Comfortable operating off either flank or centrally, he can be seamlessly dropped into a variety of shapes and formations with no detriment to his performance levels.

All of the above makes Mount a manager’s dream.

Strong character

It looks certain to be a rocky few months ahead for Chelsea — off the field, at least.

On it, the onus will be on Thomas Tuchel and his players to stay focused as they bid for success in the FA Cup, Champions League and a strong Premier League finish.

Should things get tough, the German will need his big characters to lead by example and Mount is clearly someone who makes his voice heard.

Speaking in December, Tuchel could hardly have been more complimentary of his midfielder's attitude.

He said: "It’s very hard to drop him because even when he has not-so-good games, you still always get full energy, positivity and a wonderful approach to the game. 

"He is very passionate and has almost a deep love with the game, always ready to give everything to contribute fully.

"To have Mason brings a certain attitude, aura and mentality on the field."

If Thursday evening’s performance was anything to go by, expect to see the very best of Mount in the weeks ahead.