Lawrence gets total backing of boss Frank
FRANK Lampard has backed Derby County forward Tom Lawrence ahead of Monday’s TV showdown against Nottingham Forest.
The 24-year-old started the season impressively and scored three goals in the first four matches, including a last-gasp winner at Reading on the opening weekend. But his goals have dried up.
He has scored only once in his last 16 games and he is without a goal in eight since the 4-1 victory against West Bromwich Albion.
His form has been patchy and has led to criticism from some fans but Lampard says the Welsh international is making a contribution.
“For me, the bigger picture is what you contribute as a whole in your performance for the team,” said Lampard.
“Of course, Tom Lawrence, Mason Mount and Harry Wilson won’t score goals all of the time.
“But there are times when your role becomes slightly different. The ball might not fall to you but can you give defensive responsibility? Can you give the team, in terms of attacking, a contribution that might not be goals?
“Yes, of course I want to see goals from all of them but what I want to see is input, a desire to play well and a contribution to the team performances - and I think I have seen that from them.
“Yes, it can get better, without a doubt, but I can say that about every player in our team. I think we can all improve.
“So, I have got no problem with anyone in our squad or in our team. I just want them to have a desire to improve every day out there on the training pitch. If they do that, then I go home happy.”
Lawrence has started eight of the last 10 League games, of which the Rams have lost only two.
“My first thought with Tom Lawrence or Mason Mount or Harry Wilson or Florian Jozefzoon is what they can give us in an attacking sense,” Lampard added.
“But just as important for the team is what they give us defensively and I mean in high areas at different times.
“There have been so many games this season when I have been delighted with Tom. It might be a performance that other people might go ‘Tom Lawrence didn’t score today or Tom Lawrence didn’t create or assist’ but I would say ‘you know what, Tom Lawrence gave us so much.’
“I am fully with Tom and he is a really talented player.
“I know what it means to him to play for this club and how good he Tom Lawrence was the target of criticism for his display for Derby County away to Wigan Athletic last weekend. wants to be and that goes for a lot of the players. They have my full support.”