Derby County supporters have taken to Twitter to criticise Tom Lawrence’s performance during the 0-0 draw at Preston North End.
The Rams battled to a point against a Preston side who had previously scored in every home game this season. On reflection, it was a decent result with what manager Frank Lampard would view as a makeshift side.
But performance levels across the board weren’t great, especially from those who Derby fans know can produce more.
(Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)
Lawrence arrived at Pride Park from Leicester City in the summer of 2017 for an initial £5 million fee. With Tom Ince departing for Huddersfield Town just weeks before, Lawrence has been viewed as his direct replacement.
Unfortunately for the Wales international, he hasn’t managed to reach Ince’s level on a consistent basis and supporters are growing tired of his apparent inability to learn from his basic mistakes.
What does super frank see in Lawrence anyways? He offers nothing
— ◇ (@adam_dcfc00) February 1, 2019
Tom Lawrence is the Championship version of Andros Townsend. He’s an alright player, with moments of magic therefore everyone thinks he’s better than he actually is.
Fully prepared for some triggered fans! 🤷♂️#DCFC
— ⚽️ (@_RGLFC) February 1, 2019
Do you think Tom Lawrence understands why so many Derby fans get on his back? 9 times out of 10 his end product is woeful. My opinion, he’s not good enough. #dcfc
— LG (@_LG2791) February 1, 2019
Im not one of these Pitch fork wielding Tom Lawrence haters that we have but he was terrible tonight. Non existent #dcfc
— Gemma Kelly (@GemKelly) February 1, 2019
Have to say that 2nd half performance was shocking! Midfield went missing, Lawrence was awful! Still take the point, COYR #dcfc 🐏
— D-Mac (@d_mac130188) February 1, 2019
True, Lawrence was dreadful tonight, just not concentrating at times. I thought Evans would give us that much needed protection for the back four with younger legs than Hudds but that CM with Bryson was none existent
— Stair 35 (@Stair35dcfc) February 1, 2019
really want to like tom lawrence but hes been awful this season #dcfc
— Max (@maxbulmer) February 1, 2019
Don’t remember last time I saw Lawrence put a reasonable shift in? #dcfc
— Harry Parker (@HarryParkerDCFC) February 1, 2019
How Tom Lawrence frustrated the Derby County fans:
According to Whoscored, Lawrence managed three shots without hitting the target and recorded just one key pass. Moreover, he was Derby’s most wasteful player, being dispossessed twice and having two unsuccessful touches.
Most of the criticism aimed at Lawrence is due to his decision-making. The 25-year-old can be naïve in possession, while he often has tunnel vision where better-placed teammates are ignored or used as decoys.
During his time at Derby, Lawrence has managed a total of 10 goals and seven assists in 55 Championship games. However, the bulk of those came under former manager Gary Rowett. Under the guidance of Lampard, he has managed just four goals and zero assists, suggesting he has taken a backwards step from last term.
(photo by David Blunsden/Action Plus via Getty Images)
Lawrence, however, was the subject of reported interest during January, with Lampard telling Sky Sports: “I think there was an enquiry for Tom. Top players, with the attributes of Tom, will always take interest from other clubs.
“It’s of no interest to me because Tom’s such an important player for us, and the same from his part. Tom Lawrence won’t be leaving.”
It seems the former Manchester United youth still has a big part to play at Pride Park. Derby fans will be hopeful that in time Lawrence can polish off his game and start to produce on a more consistent basis.
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(Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)