Some Derby County supporters have taken to Twitter to lavish praise on Brighton loanee Matthew Clarke following his excellent performance in the 2-0 win over Middlesbrough.
The Rams racked up their fourth straight home win as they defeated Boro.
It could have been entirely different, yet Clarke saved Derby’s blushes early on as he superbly cleared away Britt Assombalonga’s effort after he rounded goalkeeper Kelle Roos.
(Photo by Jon Hobley/ MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images).
It was a pivotal moment after just a few minutes, and it saw Derby gain confidence.
Tom Lawrence will grab the plaudits following his two goals. But, at the back, Clarke was faultless throughout and some Derby supporters gave him the recognition he deserves.
Matt Clarke is having a stormer here #DCFC
— Joel Moore (@jmDCFC) November 2, 2019
Clarke having his best game of the season so far. Vital blocks, good tackles and some nice passes out. #dcfc
— stephen. (@dcfcstephen) November 2, 2019
Clarke having unreal game
— DCFC (@DcfcFansTalk) November 2, 2019
All the plaudits from that half will go towards the forwards, but a quick word on an immense half from Matt Clarke.
Made a fantastic few blocks, interceptions and challenges. Still 45 to go but quite possibly his best half since Huddersfield.#dcfc #dcfcfans
— Luke Thrower (@LukeThrower45) November 2, 2019
We looked much better today, obviously it helped they were down to 10 but the game management was much better. We look a better team with two up top and there’s bite and ability in the middle with Bielek and Shinnie. Clarke was outstanding as well, won everything #dcfc
— James Barbour (@lifeofbarbs) November 2, 2019
@BBCDerbySport Lawrence, Bielik and Shinnie all excellent, Clarke also deserves a mention for 2 or 3 brilliant blocks on Assombalonga. Much better performance but we can always improve, got to really get stuck into Forest next week to get a result. Up the Rams
— Jimmy Gregory 🏴 (@JimmyDCFC) November 2, 2019
Love that from Clarke. Will do his confidence a world of good
— Joel Moore (@jmDCFC) November 2, 2019
Matthew Clarke shows his potential against Boro:
Clarke joined Derby in the summer on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion.
The 23-year-old was superb in the win at Huddersfield Town. However, he has often struggled since, with some criticising his defensive concentration and laboured passing.
But against Boro he excelled in both departments. He posted two tackles, a team-high nine clearances and a steady 91.5% pass-accuracy rate in possession.
Derby full deserved their win over Boro. The Rams finally put in a performance over 90 minutes, and the players seemingly enjoyed the change to a diamond system.
(Photo by Molly Darlington – AMA/Getty Images).
Chris Martin and Jack Marriott worked well upfront. The midfield marshalled the defence well, and Tom Lawrence is an entirely different proposition when he plays centrally.
The win leaves Derby 15th in the Championship table, four points off the top six.
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