Nathaniel Mendez-Laing is having an incredible season at Derby County and he’s now broken a record that has stood for 28 years.
Once David Clowes tookover Derby County in July 2022, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing became one of the first signings of the new era.
The 31-year-old arrived on a free transfer following his release from Sheffield Wednesday but boasted vast experience playing in the Championship and Premier League.
An exciting signing to mark an exciting new era, the former Cardiff City winger certainly lived up to expectations by producing seven goals and eight assists in his first season at Pride Park.
Although the Rams narrowly missed out on the playoffs by one point, Paul Warne knew he had a player in Mendez-Laing who would be integral to their promotion charge in the following campaign, and so it has proved.
The man whom Warne hailed as an “unbelievable talent” earlier in the season is enjoying the best campaign of his career, at least statistically, having produced nine goals and 15 assists in all competitions.
It has now emerged that such a staggering assist total has broken a 28-year record at Derby.
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing breaks 28-year record at Derby County
Mendez-Laing’s assist for Tom Barkhuizen in the 3-0 victory over Bristol Rovers broke a 28-year record.
The assist statistic was first officially tracked in 1996, as per journalist Jake Barker, and he’s registered the most in one season during that time.
To break a record that has stood for that long is just remarkable and highlights what an incredible campaign he’s having.
Wrap Mendez-Laing in cotton wool
Mendez-Laing is one of few players in the Derby squad who can produce a moment of brilliance from nothing.
The fact he’s also registered the most big chances created in the division (18) speaks volumes about his importance to Warne’s squad, and he’s previously said that they would be in trouble if he were to suffer an injury.
In the final stretch of this promotion race, the electric winger needs to be wrapped up in cotton wool as any minor knock or injury to him could be detrimental to their chances.
Of course, other quality forward players can step up to the plate, but given he’s produced 24 goal contributions – the most of any player in League One – suggests they can ill-afford to be without him.
He’s a master creator on the flank and a talismanic figure in front of goal. Take him out of the Derby squad and they would have major issues.