Their inexperienced manager and the side’s woeful defence have also been under scrutiny - but when you take a look at the amount of criticism the young man has faced, you’d be quick to believe Mount is the sole culprit for Chelsea’s inconsistency.
However, his two assists in the Blues' 2-2 draw against Leicester before the winter break have reminded us of just how crucial he is to this current side.
With Chelsea struggling to make the most out of set pieces this campaign, Mount’s ability to set up two goals from a free-kick and a corner was a pleasant surprise for fans.
When the Englishman made his senior debut for Chelsea back in August, fans were eager to witness the potential of their young academy graduate.
Of course, they were already somewhat familiar with his talents, with the young lad having played under Frank Lampard the previous season with Derby. However, what followed next would have exceeded the expectation of even the most optimistic supporters.
Mount managed to get his first goal during Chelsea’s first home game of the season, ending in a 1-1 draw against Leicester at Stamford Bridge. He then continued his goal-scoring form by finding the net in the 3-2 victory against Norwich the following week. During his first 10 league games, the youngster claimed an impressive four goals and two assists, playing his way into the England squad.
Not even the most experienced footballers would be able to keep up such a streak, and a dip in form shortly followed. Before Chelsea’s trip to the King Power, Mount had only managed one goal and one assist in his previous 14 league games, causing him to become the club’s latest scapegoat.
But what do you expect from a young player who’s played 34 out of a possible 35 games for a club as big as his this campaign?
Lampard’s decision to play Mount each week has clearly taken its toll, with the young star currently struggling with his own fitness and injury concerns. Since that horrific tackle by Francis Coquelin against Valencia back in September, he looks like he has been playing on with an ankle injury - two months later, he suffered the same problem against Ajax.
It’s therefore no surprise that his latest performances haven’t been up to scratch - the Chelsea boss has relied on Mount far too much this campaign.
Although if you were to ask the playmaker himself, he’d probably disagree. Mount’s work rate is superb, and he’d play every minute if he could, but he’s young and still has a lot to learn.
He’s willing to prove his worth in a Chelsea shirt at any given opportunity, and thanks to his services and undeniable commitment to the club, Lampard has managed to fit the player in nearly every starting XI, with Mount often taking on new positions in the process - left wing, right wing, central midfield, attacking midfield. This is perhaps another reason why the youngster has been struggling recently, but has little to do with the player’s capabilities and more to do with the manager’s inconsistent choice of formation.
Despite all this, Mount is still having a better season than most people realise. The Chelsea prospect is averaging more passes per game than Ross Barkley, Pedro, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Christian Pulisic. His relentless pressing and relationship with Tammy Abraham have also been crucial to Chelsea’s success this campaign, with the two players arguably becoming the side’s most important assets.
Let’s face it, Chelsea’s problems are much more complex than Mount’s current form. With the club failing to sign any new players last month, the've been left with a squad too thin - their best players are now their most vulnerable, with Tammy Abraham the notable example.
At such a young age, Mount is already such an exciting prospect, and without his injury and fitness issues, you can only imagine his potential.
Source : 90min