Derby County winger Nathaniel Mendez-Laing has now explained why he signed a new contract at Pride Park.
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing’s decisive goal against Cambridge United edged Derby closer to promotion to the Championship. This narrow 1-0 win not only set a new club record of 13 away victories in a season but also brought Mendez-Laing’s total goals and assists to 25.
The 32-year-old skillfully converted a pass from Louie Sibley, highlighting his crucial role in Derby’s promotion push. His stellar performances, which included breaking the club’s assist record and earning a spot in the League One Team of the Season, caught the attention of several Championship clubs like Birmingham and Hull City during the January transfer window.
Despite interest from other clubs, Mendez-Laing committed his future to Derby by signing a contract extension until the summer of 2026.
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing explains why he committed his future to Derby County
Mendez-Laing could have easily jumped ship in January by switching to a Championship club and guaranteeing second-tier football.
His talent merits another chance higher up the pyramid having starred for Cardiff City previously and helped them win promotion to the Premier League.
So, when the powerful winger signed a new contract at Pride Park, it was music to the ears of Derby supporters who have watched some of their best talents depart in the past.
Following his 100th appearance for the club, Mendez-Laing has explained why he made that decision in January.
“It is something I am proud of and hopefully there’s many more to come,” Mendez-Laing told RamsTV. “From all the staff at Pride Park and at Moore Farm – the boys, the coaches, the fans – I just feel a real togetherness here.
“It is somewhere that I feel really comfortable and settled, and I couldn’t ask for anything more. I love the club and everything about it, and I just feel very settled as a whole. And it does help with your performances on the pitch when you’re in a much better place.”
On Saturday, Mendez-Laing will be rewarded for his loyalty if The Rams can take at least a point against relegated Carlisle United.
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing has excelled as a striker
Having watched his side suffer several injuries, Warne has overcome adversity by using players out of their natural positions, with Eiran Cashin deployed as a left-back for a few games and Mendez-Laing used as a striker.
The decision to use Mendez-Laing as a striker next to James Collins has worked wonders. It has pushed the Guatemalan closer to the goal and got the best out of him.
It has also given Warne another option that he can trust to deliver in the absence of February’s arrival Dwight Gayle.
Although Mendez-Laing is exceptional as a winger, he has thrived in the centre-forward role, though his goal on Saturday was his first in 12 matches.
The Derby forward will hope to conjure up one more piece of magic to fire his side into the Championship against Carlisle.
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