Kane Wilson has revealed what Nathaniel Mendez-Laing text him ahead of Derby County’s win over Leyton Orient.
Speaking to Derbyshire Live, the Rams defender opened up on his ‘good relationship’ with his teammate and how he has been helping him on the pitch.
Kane Wilson joined Derby County from Bristol City in the summer and initially spent most of his time coming on from the bench, however he has started their last two games on the right of midfield – further forward than his natural position.
On the other side is Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, who has been smashing it this season with six goals and six assists in 20 games in all competitions.
The pair both contributed to their recent 3-0 victory over Leyton Orient, with Wilson claiming his first league assist of the campaign for Louie Sibley’s opener.
With the 23-year-old now eager to cement his place in the starting line-up, he has spoken out about how Mendez-Laing really helped him impress at the weekend.
“Nat looks after me and we are close to be fair,” he told Derbyshire Live. “We travel together every day and he’s like a big brother to me. He’s a funny guy and a baller too. That helps as well. We play the same position now but play it a little bit differently.
“He is a bit more direct than me. I love dribbling and it is my favourite thing to do. I want to go at someone when sometimes it’s not needed so Nat helps me. Before the game on the bus, he texted me clips of one of the opposition players and he was saying look at this and then do this. We have a good relationship.”
How important is Nathaniel Mendez-Laing off the pitch?
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing has been in sensational form for Derby County recently, bagging five goals and three assists in his last seven league fixtures.
The 31-year-old has played a key part in The Rams push for promotion this term, while his presence is even more important if he is helping the younger players too.
Paul Warne has a number of valuable youngsters in his squad, such as Kane Wilson, Eiran Cashin and Louie Sibley. While it is the manager and coaches’ responsibility to help develop them, the likes of Mendez-Laing’s influence on them can only benefit the team as a whole.
Derby are set to host Wycombe Wanderers this weekend and Wilson will be desperate to keep his place in the team, while Mendez-Laing could join James Collins as their top scorer for the season with another goal.
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