A key Derby County duo have been hailed as ‘immense’ and ‘telephatic’ this season.
Derby County now only have two games remaining to confirm their place in the Championship for next term, with their fate likely to go down to the last day.
The Rams currently sit four points above third place, however Bolton Wanderers have a game in hand.
It is still in Derby’s hands though, as if they beat both Cambridge and Carlisle United then they will win automatic promotion.
A place in the play-offs is still a possibility for now though and is definitely something they want to avoid, having failed to win the play-offs in any league in their last four attempts.
Paul Warne‘s side have, for the most part, been brilliant this season and will be hoping to be rewarded for their efforts.
The Midlands outfit have really struggled with injuries but have managed to overcome them, while they have heavily relied on some of their best players such as Eiran Cashin and Curtis Nelson.
The pair have played the most minutes in the Derby County squad this season, playing every game bar a couple missed out by Cashin due to injury and suspension.
Derby County’s two ‘players of the season’
Journalist Leigh Curtis has now named the pair as his ‘players of the season’ as they head into the penultimate match this weekend.
Writing on X, Curtis said: “Curtis Nelson and Eiran Cashin have been immense this season. Different skills in a partnership that has become telepathic. My players of the season. Pleased for Sonny Bradley too after the nonsense at Northampton. Made amends yesterday. Enjoy your Sunday.”
Eiran Cashin has made the most interceptions (66), the second-most clearances (213) and the third most headers (289) in League One this season.
Will Eiran Cashin leave if the Rams aren’t promoted?
The defender, who came close to moving to the Premier League last year, has been sensational and could probably be partnered with anyone and they would succeed, but he has looked particularly impressive alongside Curtis Nelson.
Players like Cashin will be a huge reason why Derby need to get promoted this month, because while he did sign a new contract, they do face losing a number of star players if they aren’t in the Championship.
The Rams have definitely protected themselves tying Cashin down to a new deal, but it could just mean he leaves for a higher fee this summer.
There is a lot riding on these final two games, and no doubt Paul Warne will be nervous about his job too.