Derby County midfielder Mason Mount is set to hand Derby County a huge boost in their fight for the playoffs.
The Chelsea youngster joined the Rams on a season-long loan deal last summer. Manager Frank Lampard used his contacts at Stamford Bridge to good effect, also bringing in Fikayo Tomori.
Mount has at times received scepticism from Derby supporters. Afterall, he joined as an attack-minded midfielder, yet he has managed just four goals in 26 league starts.
(Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
But his absence over the past seven weeks has been telling. Without Mount, Derby have managed to win just two of their last 10 games in all competitions, scoring a measly seven goals.
The Rams’ poor form has seen them drop to eighth in the Championship table, with Bristol City just below them having a game in hand.
(Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
How Mason Mount makes Derby County tick:
Derby supporters have gotten used to seeing their side’s form disappear in the spring time. But this season, there does appear to be a defining reason. The Rams have won 53% of their games with Mount in the starting XI, compared to just 23% without.
The 20-year-old makes Derby’s midfield click. Moreover, he seems to trigger both Harry Wilson and Jack Marriott, two players who have also struggled for form over the past seven weeks.
With those three attacking players firing again, Derby have every chance of rediscovering their early-season form during the final nine games of the current Championship campaign.
(Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
Frank Lampard recently confirmed to the Derby Telegraph that Mount should return from his hamstring injury after the break. It has been a disappointing period during his absence, but they are by no means out of it.
Derby’s next encounter is at home to struggling Rotherham United. They then travel to Brentford and Blackburn Rovers, looking to end a run of five away league games without a win.
Also see: How Chelsea’s transfer ban could crush Derby County’s hopes of signing Fikayo Tomori