Bristol City manager Lee Johnson has called former Derby County loanee Jamie Paterson a top player following his match-winning performance, Evening Express report.
Paterson joined Derby on loan in the summer. He wasn’t the club’s first choice, and his arrival was met with mixed reactions from some fans expecting a bigger name.
He ended up making just five league starts for Derby before the Rams decided to end his loan spell early and return him to Championship rivals Bristol City.
But following City’s 2-0 win over Wigan Athletic on Saturday, Robins boss Lee Johnson believes the Rams have cast aside a top player when in the right mood.
We allowed him to go out on loan, effectively Derby sent him back, and we needed to have a serious conversation. When Jamie Paterson’s mindset is on it, he’s up there with one of the best touches and wrigglers and ball manipulators. I was very, very pleased with him today, and he’s a top player when he’s in that mood.
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Jamie Paterson made a positive impact at Derby County:
When selected, Paterson often looked one of Derby’s most dangerous attacking threats.
The former Nottingham Forest man grabbed an assist in the 1-1 draw at Leeds United. He followed that up with the winner in the 3-2 home victory over Birmingham City.
Paterson also grabbed an assist in the 2-2 draw at Barnsley before starting the 2-0 win over Luton Town a week later. He was at the centre of Derby’s best run of form.
The 28-year-old, however, was soon left out. He made just three more appearances since early October. His last Derby game came in the defeat at Forest on November 9.
The Rams have since brought Jason Knight and Max Bird into midfield. That said, Phillip Cocu’s men still look short in wide areas and may add another player this month.
Paterson, meanwhile, appears to have a fresh start at playoff chasing Bristol City. The Robins are just one point shy of the top six after beating Wigan.
Also see: ‘No love left’: Some Derby fans have had enough of £5m player.
Also see: Manager admits reported Derby and Blackburn target could depart club this month.