Nathaniel Méndez-Laing of Derby County might be unknown the majority of football fans but those that watch the Championship and League One know all about him and how he can be one of the stars of the season

The Beginning Of The Derby County Affair

Signing number three 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗱 💥

We are delighted to welcome Nathaniel Mendez-Laing to Pride Park Stadium on a two-year contract 😍#DCFC

— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) July 2, 2022

The 2022/23 season saw Nathaniel Méndez-Laing join Derby as a free transfer from Sheffield Wednesday and was a key figure on the right wing. He played a total of 44 times domestically, bagging seven goals and produced eight assists. Ending the season with 21 wins, 12 losses and 13 draws, Derby were just shy of the League One Playoffs by a single point. Peterborough United achieving 77 points to Derby’s 76. In what was a successful season, it got even better the next year.

The Rams earnt promotion to the Championship after two year stint in League One via automatic promotion. Runners up in the league with 92 points, 28 wins, 10 losses and 8 draws. Such a massive shift in form was definitely down to Méndez-Laing having a phenomenal season. The Guatemalan international essentially doubled his numbers from the previous season. He found the back of the net 10 times and registered a whopping 18 assist in 50 appearances across all competitions.

Heading Into This Season

Playing predominantly on the left hand side of the pitch this season, Nathaniel Méndez-Laing has featured in six Championship matches and two Carabao Cup matches. In that time, he produced two assists in the league. Now into his third stint at the club, he has been given the honour to have the captain’s armband for this year. He is doing a great job in trying to ensure that Derby remain in the league and not see another relegation. His playmaking ability last season was one of the best in England. No that isn’t an exaggeration, that’s statistically proven.

Since the start of last season, only two players have recorded more assists than Derby's Nathaniel Méndez-Laing (18) across England's top four tiers.

In that time, he's created 96 chances in total - 33 more than any other player for the Rams. #DCFC pic.twitter.com/W7ozMCHgd4

— Nathan (@nathanevans94) September 20, 2024

What’s To Come?

Derby County forward Nathaniel Mendez-Laing has signed a contract extension at the club until 2026.

His previous deal was due to expire in the summer. Take a look at his numbers this season in League One. 👉 #DCFC

— BBC Sport Derby (@BBCDerbySport) January 8, 2024

Méndez-Laing renewed his contract with Derby County back in January of this year. The deal sees him staying at Pride Park until 2026 and who knows were he will be able to take the club. With Derby currently sitting in 10th place in the Championship, back to back promotions are on the cards. If that’s the case, then he would be leading Derby back into the Premier League for the first time since they produced the worst ever season in Premier League history back in the 2007/08 season.