Derby County have rushed to congratulate teammate Nathaniel Mendez-Laing after he was named in the League One Team of the Season.
Derby County winger Nathaniel Mendez-Laing attended the EFL awards alongside teammate Eiran Cashin.
READ MORE: Derby County star Eiran Cashin’s journey from almost released to Premier League transfer interest
They were both recognised for their outstanding efforts this season, defensively and offensively, earning a spot each in the League One Team of the Season.
League One Team of the Season
GK: Will Norris, Portsmouth
RB: Josh Dacres-Cogley, Bolton
CB: Eiran Cashin, Derby
CB: Conor Shaughnessy, Portsmouth
LB: Harrison Burrows, Peterborough
RM: Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, Derby
CM: Marlon Pack, Portsmouth
CM: Josh Sheehan, Bolton
LM: Ephron Mason-Clark, Peterborough
ST: Jamie Reid, Stevenage
ST: Alfie May, Charlton
Why Nathaniel Mendez-Laing earned a spot in the Team of the Season
Cashin’s role defensively next to the consistent Curtis Nelson has given Derby the joint meanest defence in the third tier. Meanwhile, Mendez-Laing’s contributions at the other end have been priceless.
The former Cardiff City winger has enjoyed a record-breaking season at Pride Park, smashing a 28-year record for most assists in a single campaign (16) and demonstrating his undeniable quality.
Mendez-Laing has 18 big chances created to his name, which is a league-high and he’s also recorded the joint most goal contributions (24 – eight goals, 16 assists).
The player Paul Warne described as “perfect” ultimately deserves a place in the Team of the Season, with several teammates and the wider footballing world rushing to congratulate him.
Derby County players react to Nathaniel Mendez-Laing’s award
Many have appreciated Mendez-Laing’s impact at Derby since his arrival in July 2022, but he’s taken his performances to a new level this term.
The 31-year-old is the difference maker for his side in the final third, stepping up when it matters most to deliver quality, either from a deadball situation or through his mazy dribbles and eye for goal.
Unlike several players in Warne’s squad, including James Collins, Mendez-Laing has been ever-present having featured in every match so far.
It speaks volumes about his character, as a person and a player, to consistently perform even when he’s witnessed his teammates drop like flies.
Several Derby players and some of the wider footballing world have now taken to Instagram to react to his post.
Callum Elder said: “Brilliant season mate well deserved.”
Eiran Cashin wrote: “Congrats mate.”
Curtis Davies added: “Never in doubt.”
While former Crystal Palace winger Yannick Bolasie reacted with a fire and two hands-raised emojis.
Having scooped an award for his efforts this term, Mendez-Laing will hope to cap off a fantastic season with the ultimate award by sealing promotion back to the Championship.