Derby County opinion: Should the Rams sign Joe Willock on loan?

Frank Lampard’s first full season in management has been quite decent, with Derby County close to qualifying for the playoffs this season. The Rams currently sit 6^th in the table and with 9 games left to play this season, it will be a fight to the finish.

Lampard’s real problems in terms of transfers will start this summer. The Rams have four players on loan until the end of the season and the club needs to decide about the next course of action in terms of recruitments.

One area that should worry Lampard is the central midfield. Summer recruit George Evans is the only central midfielder at the club under the age of 30 and as vital as experience is, Lampard needs youth in the centre of the park.

Lampard’s loan deals for Mason Mount, Harry Wilson and Fikayo Tomori have worked exceedingly well so far this campaign and the trio has to be retained in the summer. Another player who Lampard should target on loan is Arsenal’s Joe Willock.

The 19-year-old has been very impressive over the last two seasons and has been used by both Arsene Wenger and Unai Emery in the Europa League.

Arsenal’s current midfield is filled with a plethora of talent and with Willock needing the experience to grow, a stint under one of the best midfielders of this generation is an option that the Gunners should consider.

Despite being just 19 years old, Willock has featured 15 times for Arsenal’s senior side so far and has 3 goals to his name.

A strong, lanky and composed figure in the middle of the park, Willock is capable of playing as a number 8, as a number 10 and has even been deployed on the wings at times.

The youngster is incredibly composed on the ball and isn’t fazed by the occasion, as evident in his performances in the Europa League in the last two years. Willock played the full 90 minutes in two Europa League games this season and even scored a delightful goal against Ukrainian side Vorskla.

Willock is capable of adapting to the tempo of the game and with the ball at his feet, he dictates everything. The 19-year-old has a tremendous range of passing and can unlock defences with a killer pass.

Willock’s positioning in the midfield is phenomenal for somebody so young and always makes himself available for a pass to his teammates. Willock’s runs into the box have resemblances to current teammate Aaron Ramsey and also to Frank Lampard and under him, Willock can master it.

Read more Derby County news, click here: Derby County latest news

Conclusion

Derby need to bring in youth into their midfield in the summer and with their current loan spells working brilliantly, another one should be made for Arsenal’s Joe Willock.

The teenager will improve massively under Lampard and with lack of game time at the Emirates, a move makes sense for all parties involved as the player would help Debry County.