Fans quickly take to Mendez-laing
IN what has been an impressive start to the season, Nathaniel Mendez-laing has quickly demonstrated why Sheffield Wednesday were keen to keep him, writes Leigh Curtis.
Only days after scoring against Grimsby Town in the Papa John’s Trophy, the winger scored his third goal of the season for Derby County in Saturday’s 3-2 home defeat by Plymouth Argyle in League One.
His goal against Argyle demonstrated why he emerged as a top target for interim Rams manager Liam Rosenior during the summer.
Rosenior was looking to add craft and pace to his attack and Mendez-laing turned down a contract extension offer from
the Owls to join the Rams.
The winger’s decision was heavily influenced by the Rams’ project as they came out of administration.
Mendez-laing also lives in the Midlands, so that also helped make it a straightforward call.
He played a part in five goals for Wednesday last season, scoring twice and adding three assists. And he has already equalled that total in only eight appearances for the Rams this season, the split this time being three goals and two assists.
The 30-year-old’s goal against Plymouth, the result of a quick turn, a burst of speed, and an emphatic finish, was praised by Rosenior.
It came at the end of a tough period off the pitch for the winger, who was given time off to deal with a family matter. He was replaced in the second half against Argyle but Rosenior said that was to be expected.
“It was an unbelievable goal,” said Rosenior.
“He’s got that. He lost energy, which is understandable given what he’s gone through.
“But he’s shown his quality and he will show it for the rest of the season.
“I think he is enjoying his football but I had to take him off because he hit a brick wall, which is what I expected.
“Again, we need to get the fitness levels of the players right and luckily I have got a full week to do that.”
The Rams supporters have quickly embraced the winger, while his goal on Saturday was met with considerable acclaim on social media. Other Rams fans claimed they were fortunate to have him.
Wednesday fans may begrudgingly agree.