Derby County star Nathaniel Mendez-Laing is crucial for the Rams if they are to push for promotion for the rest of the season.
He has recently been out with an injury, but could return in time for the clash against Bristol Rovers on Saturday afternoon.
The Guatemala international was substituted off early into the second half of the 3-0 win over Barnsley, hobbling off after going down off the ball. Kane Wilson was his replacement.
It came as a blow for the Rams, but following the game it was said that his injury was not serious.
Mendez-Laing stats back up how crucial he is
According to WhoScored, Mendez-Laing has the joint second most key passes per 90 in League One with 2, and also has the fourth most dribbles per 90 with 1.8.
Whilst Derby have been going through a tricky patch with a lot of fans wanting manager Paul Warne out, Mendez-Laing has been a shining star.
The 31-year-old has been in inspiring form of late, scoring in all of his last four games before the Barnsley match.
Mendez-Laing has recently spoken about his own form, saying he is ‘buzzing’ with his brilliant form of late, with Warne also praising him as ‘unbelievable‘.
Winger’s goals coming in handy for Warne
With Derby having struggled to score goals as of late, Mendez-Laing’s form was a shining light of hope that the Rams can start to put the ball in the back of the next on a more regular basis.
They now seem to be getting the hang of that though, after scoring 14 goals in their last five games in all competitions.
This has been a massive boost for Warne, who has previously spoken out on his ‘frustration’ with Derby not putting away many of the chances they create.
Mendez-Laing’s stats though show how crucial he has been to the Rams’ success so far this season, and Warne needs to try and keep him fit for the rest of the season if they are to mount any form of a promotion bid.