Derby County this season have a special place in the hearts of Chelsea fans.
Their manager is club legend Frank Lampard, and two of their brightest prospects, Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori, are on loan there.
After becoming manager at Derby in the summer, one of Lampard’s first signings was Mount.
(Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
As a player who’s style of play has lots of similarities to Lampard’s, Mount is playing under the perfect manager.
Perhaps surprisingly, Lampard’s first managerial job has started very well.
Derby are sixth in a highly competitive Championship and, in contrast to Jose Mourinho, he has got his young players to excel.
This goes for both Mount and Tomori, who have become key figures for Chelsea’s all-time top goalscorer.
(Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Mount has been a regular from the start, scoring five goals already, and earning himself a call-up to the England Under-21 team.
But whilst Mount’s potential is well known, Tomori has slipped under the radar.
Having struggled at Hull City last season, he arrived at Derby without much fanfare but is a regular for Lampard.
And Lampard’s managerial effect was shown to the wider footballing public last night as his Derby side played Manchester United in the EFL Cup.
Mount and Tomori both started as Lampard beat his former manager Mourinho at the first time of asking.
So, here’s how Chelsea fans reacted to the performance of Derby, and in particular, the performance of Lampard, Mount and Tomori:
There are so many young Chelsea players out on loan to keep an eye on. Mason Mount has been stealing the headlines at Derby, but Fikayo Tomori also looking very impressive for the Rams against Man U. The usual question applies. Will such promise lead to a career at the Bridge?
— Mark Worrall (@gate17marco) September 25, 2018
Can we just take into account how incredible Fikayo Tomori was as well?
For someone who struggled at Hull last season, he sure did give Lukaku a run for his money. Absolutely class from the lad.
Another Chelsea lad showing up on the big occasion. Clearly runs in the blood 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/Ogq9gEU4el
— Uber Chelsea FC 🏆 (@UberCheIseaFC) September 25, 2018
Frank Lampard had the guts to beat his mentor, Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford. Mason Mount controlling the midfield and Tomori containing Lukaku. The future is really bright for Chelsea. #EFLCup #MUNDER
— EWURUM THANKSGIVING (@TGMISKY) September 25, 2018
Great to see future Chelsea, Lamps, @morriskid Mason Mount, Fikayo Tomori beat Old Chelsea Josè, Matic, Mata, Lukaku at OT last night in the #CarabaoCup
— Andy M Morley (@AnMoSportPsych) September 26, 2018
https://twitter.com/ajegs007/status/1044708458992480260
Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori impressed a lot tonight. Big game where they shown what they can do in a football pitch. This, plus Callum Hudson Odoi, Ampadu and Loftus Cheek. Chelsea have a very bright future, if they can handle it.
— David | ESL Klaus (@dviamolina) September 25, 2018
An incredible night to be a Chelsea fan.
Frank Lampard, in his 1st season as a manager, beating Jose Mourinho & United in penalties.
Mason Mount, the don, looking like he belongs & then some. While Gareth Southgate was also there to watch him. Immense future.
— Alex Goldberg (@AlexGoldberg_) September 25, 2018
If you want Mason Mount to be in Chelsea’s team as bad as I do, tonight was a good night for us. All of Chelsea watching him tonight, as well as England & Southgate, and he more than turned up.
If you had your hesitations, drop them. He’s the real damn deal.
— Alex Goldberg (@AlexGoldberg_) September 25, 2018