Mason Mount believes Denis Zakaria deserved the man of the match award more than him for his role in Chelsea's 2-1 victory over Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday evening.
The Blues came from a goal down to beat the Croatians in their final Group E match thanks to goals from Raheem Sterling and Zakaria at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea did go a goal down after Bruno Petkovic scored after just seven minutes.
However, Sterling was on hand to end his eight-game goal drought to equalise for the hosts just over 10 minutes later. Then, half an hour into the game, Zakaria, who was making his first appearance for Chelsea since making a deadline day loan move from Juventus, put the home side ahead with a well-struck finish into the bottom corner.
READ MORE: Three things learned from Chelsea's win over Dinamo Zagreb as Denis Zakaria makes debut mark
There were a few standout performers for the Blues on the night; including Mount, who played all 90 minutes and picked up UEFA's Player of the Match award following the full-time whistle. Mount, though, doesn't think his performance warranted that award and instead believes Zakaria should have been the man posing with the trophy.
"The lads have been battering me the last couple of games I've got man of the match as they don't think I deserved it, but today I don't think I deserve it," the England international said to Chelsea's official website. "Denis Zakaria came in and was unbelievable. He deserves man of the match more than me, and he scored as well!
"To step up after not playing, and starting the game, was brilliant. I'm very happy for him to get this opportunity and to do so well."
Mount was used by Graham Potter in a slightly different role in Chelsea's final European match of the year. The 23-year-old was used in a midfield three, alongside Zakaria and Jorginho and it seemed to be an effective role for the man of the match.
"We changed the formation a little bit," Mount explained. "It allowed me to drift and connect the midfield, and get forward as well. I felt good. It was a nice position for me.
"When I look at a game, the negatives stick out in my head, and I gave the ball away too much. That's how I am, that's what I think about after the game, but I did some good bits as well, so I'll take it."
Despite Chelsea winning and wrapping up Group E in style, there will be a sour taste in many supporters' and players' mouths after Ben Chilwell limped off injured with just minutes to go. The England international looked in pain and with the World Cup just around the corner, it could be one that rules him out of the competition.
"We don't know how bad it is but that was tough to watch," Mount, Chilwell's close friend, said on the injury. "We saw his reaction and that never looks good.
"As soon as you feel something and to not even think about the ball, it's tough. We know what's coming up, hopefully it's not too bad and he can be back as soon as possible because we need him as well."
READ NEXT:
Denis Zakaria scouting report: Chelsea star hits Graham Potter target and poses Arsenal question
What Denis Zakaria did after impressive Chelsea debut as Champions League curse strikes again
Graham Potter finds new Raheem Sterling Chelsea tactic but makes Champions League error
