Patient Holmes has taken his chance following hard work
since his move from Scunthorpe United in the summer had been as a substitute.
Holmes, like Wilson, is recognised as more of a wide attacking player. However, like Wilson, he can play other roles, as he showed with a lively display in the midfield three last Saturday.
Playing two “wingers” in a midfield three is not something many people would have envisaged at the start of the season.
When asked about the current midfield combination in his team, Lampard explained why he likes Mount, Wilson and now Holmes in those roles.
“They have energy, they are good on the ball and they can drive from midfield. That is the way we want to play,” he said.
“Duane can play different positions but I like him in that area. It’s the way I like Mason Mount and Harry Wilson in there.
“It is still a work in progress. We use Duane in that position in training a lot and he will get better and better. His raw attributes are great for it.”
Mount is likely to return to the side once fit, given the impact he has made since he joined the Rams on a season-long loan from Chelsea.
The 19-year-old had started all 19 games and scored five goals before his missed out against Birmingham but Lampard and the fans enjoyed what they saw from Holmes and he has pushed himself forward as another option to join Bryson and Johnson.
George Evans is also available again after injury and it all adds up to healthy competition in the middle of the park. DUANE Holmes knew he would have to wait for his chance after joining Derby County.
Holmes was one of nine signings made by manager Frank Lampard in the summer.
The 24-year-old winger or attacking midfielder arrived from Scunthorpe United and his only two appearances were as a substitute before he was handed his first start in last Saturday’s Championship clash against Birmingham City.
An eye-catching performance by Holmes in the second half helped Derby recover from a goal down to beat Birmingham 3-1 at Pride Park Stadium.
Holmes came in for the injured Mason Mount, who had been an ever-present this season before an ankle injury ruled him out.
“I knew that I had big shoes to fill with Mason playing so well and, hopefully, I did that,” Holmes told RamsTV.
“You always want to play and I’ve had to bide my time and wait for my chance but that comes with the strength of the squad that we have here.
“I knew that I would have to be patient when I signed here and I have worked hard. Thankfully, it has paid off.”
Looking back at the Birmingham win, Holmes said: “We have been playing some really good stuff, so that first half on Saturday against Birmingham was not up to what we’ve been doing recently.
“To come out after half-time and perform in the second half shows the character we have in the dressing room because we all really wanted the win and we’re thankful that we got it.”
Derby are now unbeaten in six in the League ahead of tomorrow’s home game against Aston Villa.
It is the final game before a two-week international break.
“It will be nice to go into the international break unbeaten in the League from a really tough run of fixtures,” said Holmes.
Derby have beaten Sheffield United, West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham and drew at Middlesbrough since the last international break.
They also ran Chelsea close at Stamford Bridge in the Carabao Cup, only to lose 3-2.
“We have done really well in the League and, hopefully, we can carry that on,” Holmes added.