Derby County U23 coach Pat Lyons reserved special praise for Louie Sibley following his hat-trick during the recent 7-1 thrashing over Leeds United, RamsTV report.
The Rams demonstrated why they currently have one of the best academies in the country. The U23s tore Leeds apart, scoring seven in their Premier League Cup clash.
Sibley showed his quality throughout. The young attacking midfielder scored an excellent hat-trick and posted an assist as Leeds couldn’t find a way to contain him.
Speaking to RamsTV, Lyons felt he was outstanding throughout.
I’m delighted for him to get the hat-trick. He was outstanding all night. His driving with the ball is unbelievable, the way he goes past players and the way he makes things happen. It was a great achievement for him tonight.
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Is Louie Sibley ready for Championship football?
Derby’s academy is thriving. After winning the U18 Premier League last season, several youngsters have stepped up to the U23s and look the part.
The Rams are currently joint top of the U23 Premier League 2 table. Moreover, they have posted two wins from two in the International Cup – beating Monaco and Feyenoord.
Sibley has tasted first team action for the Rams in the Carabao Cup. The youngster showed glimpses, but over the past two months he has improved further.
The 18-year-old is predominantly an attacking midfielder. He could play as a number 10 at the tip of a diamond, or as the most advanced midfielder in a midfield three.
Sibley can go past people, pick out key passes and score goals.
Current first-teamer Duane Holmes has been guilty of falling short in the latter two, and the American is likely most at risk of losing his place to Sibley.
Kieran Dowell, meanwhile, must be wondering what lies ahead for his future as the Everton loanee is being outshone by Derby’s younger talent at U23 level.
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