Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has revealed he tells Mason Mount he is heading to the top of the game every day.
The 20-year-old has scored two goals in his first three Premier League appearances this season.
And Lampard insists he is not surprised as he knows the talent Mount possesses.
Chelsea boss Lampard said: “I don’t want to say it’s surprised me because I’ve got real belief in him but it has made me sit up and take more notice of where he can get to in the game.
“At Derby he was great. But that’s one thing. Coming to Chelsea, with the competition he’s got in midfield and the expectation level that comes with it, is another thing.
“I keep going on about his character. For me it’s such a big percentage of the package and he has all of that and he has the quality. Intelligent players who have that talent are really great to work with.
“He’s impressed me. I’ve said it a lot last year. Being called up for his country, that’s hopefully going to come pretty soon again. He can go absolutely to the top.
“I don’t want to heap expectation on him. But I will tell him that every day because I feel it, and when someone’s humble and hard-working like him, it doesn’t matter.
“You can tell them because it will never stop his drive or his hunger. He’s not a boy that wants the razzmatazz of it all.
“He just wants to be a top player for Chelsea and then England – and I believe he can be.”
Chelsea boss Lampard also revealed he was impressed with how quick Mount was to adapt after Pedro pulled up injured in the warm up before the 3-2 win over Norwich.
He said: “I said to him five minutes before he went out that you’ve got to play on the left wing today and come inside.
“No bother. He just took it all on board and made all the right moves. Big signs for him everywhere. The confidence and steely nature he has helps.
“But he’s driven and he’s not going to get carried away with himself. It’s the way his family have brought him up. He’s a pleasure to work with.”
Chelsea return to action against Sheffield United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday (3pm).