Some Derby County supporters have taken to Twitter to praise Nathan Byrne following his performance in the 2-1 defeat to Watford at Vicarage Road on Friday night.
The 28-year-old joined Derby from Wigan Athletic last summer.
Byrne had big shoes to fill at Pride Park as he arrived as a replacement for the talented Jayden Bogle following his move to Premier League side Sheffield United.
But so far the former Wigan man is proving to be an absolute steal.
Taking to Twitter following the defeat at Watford, some Derby fans felt Byrne was the only piece of real quality the Rams displayed as his crosses caused all sorts of problems.
Byrne’s delivery is unreal 🔥 🐏 #dcfc #dcfcfans
— Arttire (@arttireoriginal) February 19, 2021
#dcfc
If waghorn was taken off at half time we may have got something. Byrne has been one of the best signings in years.— stevie barned (@stevie15barnes) February 19, 2021
N Byrne is the only bit of quality we have #dcfc
— Rammie (@Rammie007) February 19, 2021
Much much better second half. Subs made a big difference. Byrne and Edmundson had good games. The disallowed goal massive now!!! #dcfc #dcfcfans
— Shaun Woodward (@woodwardio79) February 19, 2021
Nathan Byrne what a player #dcfc
— Alex Taylor (@ACTaylor96) February 19, 2021
Byrne nearly did an Idiakez.#dcfc
— Richard (@dcfc87) February 19, 2021
Its mad that our best crossers of a ball have been our full backs for years. Bogle, Byrne, Forsyth, Buchanan, Brayford… #dcfc
— Ryan (@Ryan_27) February 19, 2021
Watford stormed into a 2-0 lead after a fortunate Joao Pedro finish was quickly followed by former Derby favourite Will Hughes netting a precise second.
It looked as if the Hornets could replicate their recent 6-0 thrashing over Bristol City.
To Derby’s credit, the Rams pushed the hosts back in the second period and the introduction of Lee Gregory, Kamil Jozwiak and Louie Sibley offered more attacking threat.
But it was Byrne who was arguably the biggest threat. Marauding forward, the speedy fullback produced eight crosses with one of those prompting a Watford own goal.
Byrne almost grabbed an equaliser late on as his corner crashed against the woodwork, leaving Hornets manager Xisco Munoz blowing a huge sigh of relief.
It wasn’t a great performance from Derby. However, Wayne Rooney’s side can take positives with home games against Huddersfield Town and Nottingham Forest coming up.
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