Barcelona star Lionel Messi has claimed that former Derby County playmaker Mason Mount "has the potential to be one of the best".

Mount spent last season on loan with the Rams and was an integral figure in their run to the play-off final.

The attacking midfielder made 45 appearances for the East Midlands club, scoring 11 times and providing six assists.

Such was quality of his performances that Frank Lampard, who also made the switch from Pride Park to Stamford Bridge in the summer, has utilised him in the Chelsea side this season.

The 21-year-old has featured 29 times in the Premier League this term – grabbing six goals and five assists.

The Englishman is certainly a bright prospect and his potential has been recognised by one of the greatest players on the planet.

Messi has collaborated with Topps to launch a set of Champions League cards and Mount has been included in the 'youth on the rise' category.

The Barcelona star noted about the 21-year-old (via the Derby Telegraph): "Having watched him play, he has the potential to be one of the best."

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The Verdict

This is huge praise from a player that is thought by many to be one of the greatest footballers to have ever played the game.

Mount certainly showed his exciting potential at Pride Park last season and you feel Rams fans will look back on his performances even more fondly if he does indeed become one of the best players in the world.

Not only that, they may feel they deserve some credit for helping him to develop as a player.