Rio Ferdinand has told Thomas Tuchel how Mason Mount can get the best out of Timo Werner ahead of Chelsea's clash with Real Madrid. The Blues are currently trailing 3-1 after last week's first-leg defeat.
The west London side's boss has included the German international in his starting eleven as he looks to overturn a two-goal deficit against the Spanish giants. Tuchel knows it will be a tough challenge for his side as they look to retain their European crown.
Werner's feature follows his impressive display against Southampton at the weekend. Mount, who featured alongside him at St Mary's, proved pivotal in the striker recapturing the form he once enjoyed at RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga.
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Speaking on BT Sport, the former Manchester United defender showered Mount with praise. Ferdinand stressed that the 23-year-old's 'infectious' personality on the pitch could help Werner prove his doubters wrong.
"The game at the weekend, obviously the morale jumps up again," he said. "You get over games with good results and good performances, so the morale will be much better than it was a week ago
"They were free-flowing, free-scoring, and I think morale does good things to certain players, especially to those who are lacking a bit of confidence like Timo Werner. I think Mason Mount, we all know how good this kid is, and how infectious he is with and without the ball, and for him to get on the scoresheet as well, it bodes well for the game today rather than going in down on their knees."
Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole added by highlighting how much of a risk it is for Tuchel to reinvest trust in Werner ahead of such a momentous bout. He revealed how surprised he was to see the German's name on the team sheet, reinforcing the importance of Mount this evening.
"I'm surprised at the inclusion of Timo Werner because he has been out in the cold a little bit," Cole said. "He had a good weekend, but it is just moments and moments. This is the Bernabeu that we are talking about, and Real Madrid are confident, they are on top of their league."
