84% pass-accuracy, 4 shots: Derby’s James Wilson justifies Lampard’s first-team selection

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Derby County’s Harry Wilson excelled against Brentford on Saturday.

Derby County’s winger Harry Wilson justified his somewhat questionable first-team selection against Brentford, as he put in his best performance since joining the club in the summer on a season-long loan deal from Liverpool.

The Wales international winger started the opening two games of the Championship campaign, before picking up an injury in the 2-0 EFL Cup win over Oldham Athletic around six weeks ago.

In his absence the likes of Tom Lawrence, Florian Jozefzoon, Mason Bennett, Martyn Waghorn and Duane Holmes have all had spells playing in the wide positions, as they all attempt to obtain a regular starting spot.

Wilson returned to action as a substitute in the 0-0 midweek draw at Blackburn Rovers, yet he looked a little off the pace as the Rams tired late on and were frustratingly held by a resilient Rovers side.

Many expected Lampard to freshen things up against Brentford and push Waghorn out wide’ with Bennett featuring on the opposite flank. Instead, the Derby boss opted to play Wilson out wide left, even though the Liverpool youngster is left-footed and predominantly likes to play on the right, allowing him to cut in.

Wilson scored Derby’s equalising goal in the first-half, breaking at pace from a Brentford corner and slotting home after being fed by Craig Bryson.

But it wasn’t just his goal which justified his selection – his performance in general was excellent as he completed 84% of his passes, made four shots on goal and recorded two successful dribbles (Whoscored).

Wilson showed maturity and illustrated his intelligence when to releasing the ball and when to run at the defenders – a criticism labelled at fellow Derby winger Lawrence, who is currently serving a suspension.

21-year-old Wilson has plenty of competition for places at Pride Park, but his performance on Saturday was the best from any of the club’s wingers this season, and he deserves to keep his place.