Derby County saw two of their players, Eiran Cashin and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing get named in the League One Team of the Season, but a third was unlucky to miss out.
At the EFL Awards on Sunday night, Derby had two players included in the League One Team of the Season. Centre-back Eiran Cashin partnered Portsmouth’s Conor Shaughnessy in defense, while Nathaniel Mendez-Laing earned a position in the team on the wing. Mendez-Laing’s inclusion was expected given his league-high 24 goal contributions this season.
Cashin’s presence in the starting XI was also well-deserved. At 22 years old, he has been the standout defender in League One, contributing to Derby’s impressive 20 clean sheets alongside his formidable partner Curtis Nelson, who unfortunately missed out on a place in the team.
Curtis Nelson wrongfully snubbed from League One Team of the Season
Cashin’s exceptional performances in Derby’s defense have drawn attention away from Nelson’s significance to Paul Warne’s team. Despite being signed on a free transfer from Blackpool last summer, the 30-year-old has been equally impressive as the highly regarded Irish defender.
Nelson has been crucial to their defensive stability, playing every minute of their League One campaign and aiding his team in conceding the joint fewest goals (37) in the division. Warne himself praised Nelson as “colossal” for his commanding displays, highlighting how Derby’s defensive strength has been a cornerstone of their promotion bid, thanks in large part to the formidable partnership of Cashin and Nelson.
| Curtis Nelson League One statistics 23/24 | Value |
| Matches played | 44 |
| Clean sheets | 20 |
| Tackles per game | 1.5 |
| Balls recovered per game | 4 |
| Clearances per game | 4 |
| Total duels won | 6.3 (63%) |
As depicted in the table above, the Englishman excels in winning aerial duels, demonstrates precise positioning for well-timed tackles, and is adept at regaining possession. These qualities have formed a winning defensive formula and have also enhanced their threat during set-piece situations. Despite these attributes, Nelson was unfortunate to be overlooked for inclusion in the Team of the Season.
Derby County duo crucial to promotion
James Collins and Mendez-Laing have been grabbing headlines at the attacking end of the pitch, but Nelson and Cashin have been the foundation of Warne’s defensive setup. While it’s said that attacking play is the best defense, without these two, Derby would face significant challenges.
Certain partnerships in football are sacred, and the one between Cashin and Nelson is one of them. They have a deep understanding defensively, with Cashin’s skill on the ball complementing Nelson’s prowess in destroying attacks and dominance in aerial battles. This synergy has been key to Derby’s success in keeping opponents at bay.
Should Derby secure promotion by winning their remaining two games, Warne would be wise to keep this partnership intact in the Championship. Their effectiveness has been a crucial factor this season, and continuity could be vital in facing tougher challenges ahead.
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