Derby County manager Frank Lampard has told the club’s official website how defender Fikayo Tomori deserves to pick up the Supporters’ Player of the Year award after an impressive campaign at Pride Park.
He has worked hard, he’s improved a lot of elements of his game and he has made a huge contribution to our season. We have had difficult injuries at the back in Curtis Davies, our club captain, and Craig Forsyth in the defensive area for long-term, so to have a young player come in with the responsibility needed to play that amount of games, I think he deserves all the accolades he is getting from inside the club. I just want him to continue now for the business end of the season.
Fikayo Tomori joined Derby on a season-long loan deal from Chelsea. Frank Lampard used his contacts at his former club to bring in the talented centre-back alongside Mason Mount.
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The Chelsea youngsters have proven to be excellent additions this season and vitally important first-team players. Mount has scored eight goals in 32 games from midfield, while Tomori has started 40 Championship games for the Rams.
How Fikayo Tomori has been a big success in Derby County’s defence:
Tomori’s debut came in the 4-1 defeat at home to Leeds United. After featuring in a fullback position for Hull City last season, many supporters were doubtful over his capabilities following the defeat to Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
But the 21-year-old soon showed his quality, with his pace and tackling ability in particular real standouts. Tomori soon became a regular alongside Richard Keogh after Curtis Davies picked up a season-ending injury.
Tomori averages 2.3 tackles, 2.9 aerial duel winners and four clearances per league game. He has helped Derby to 10 clean sheets, and impressive away victories over the likes of Norwich City and West Bromwich Albion.
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Only five teams have conceded fewer goals than the Rams this season. Their defensive record has helped contribute to their playoff challenge as Derby sit in sixth spot. Lampard will be hoping they can maintain the high standards set for the final three games of the season.
Also see: Frank Lampard gives insight in Derby County’s mood ahead of final three games.