Nathaniel Mendez-Laing is having a terrific season for Derby County and that has now been demonstrated by one remarkable statistic.
Derby County left it late to run out 1-0 winners over Stevenage on Saturday as a 90th-minute goal from Louie Sibley secured all three points.
The Rams struggled in that match without top scorer James Collins and Paul Warne was dealt the crushing news that he would be sidelined for a ‘significant period’.
In his absence, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing was moved upfront with not a single forward on the bench as Conor Washington, Martyn Waghorn and Tyreece John-Jules are all sidelined with their own injuries.
Mendez-Laing showcased his versatility by leading the line in that match and he’s been magnificent for Derby throughout this season.
He has terrorised defences from both flanks and weighed in with a League One-high total of eight goals and 14 assists.
Those are impressive numbers and the fact it isn’t the only metric he’s leading in the division speaks volumes of his importance.
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing has most big chances created in League One
Although Collins has been pivotal with his clinical finishing, Mendez-Laing has been equally as important with his output down either flank.
The 31-year-old possesses a level of quality in the final third that is irreplaceable, the sort that wouldn’t see him look out of place in a Championship side.
In the entire division this term, Mendez-Laing has created more big chances (15) than any other player, above the likes of Karamoko Dembele (12), Aaron Collins (12) and Kwame Poku (9).
Unlike Collins, whose missing presence has been temporarily filled by the arrival of Dwight Gayle on a free transfer, no one in the Derby squad can match the output of the former Cardiff City winger.
He’s simply scored and supplied too many crucial goals this term that have mattered so much in their fight for promotion, while the signing of Gayle could see the pair striker up a solid partnership.
Mendez-Laing and Dwight Gayle can form a devastating partnership
As a striker, Mendez-Laing is a joy to play with as his first thought is to get the ball out of his feet and whip a tantalising cross into the box.
It is why Collins has had so much joy this season as he’s been delivered quality service.
Gayle, whose attributes align similarly to the Derby striker, can take over from him and score the goals in his absence while forming a strong understanding with Mendez-Laing.
The former Newcastle United striker thrives when balls are played over the top but he’s also excellent at positioning himself in the right place at the right time.
Derby have done well to react quickly to the Collins news by filling the void with an experienced EFL striker who can now form a mouth-watering duo with the ‘magic’ Mendez-Laing.