Fikayo Tomori has earned plaudits recently as a result of his consistent performances in both a Derby County and England shirt - and manager Frank Lampard believes the defender has all the attributes to be a top player in the future.
The Chelsea loanee, who was named the man of the match for the Three Lions in their recent Under-21 fixture against Poland at Ashton Gate last month, has made the second-most appearances for the Rams this season with 44.
Only his fellow defensive partner Richard Keogh has made more appearances than Tomori this season and the youngster has benefited from a prolonged run in the first team.
Tackles, blocks and interceptions, the defender has it all.
He has displayed attacking intent throughout the season too and has contributed two goals in all competitions.
His recent performances have not gone unnoticed by supporters, as well as the manager, who can not speak highly of the 21-year-old.
“His progression this year has been incredible,” Lampard told RamsTV. “From when he came in, he was a good young player anyway, but you can see how pivotal he has been in our team. He has grown from within and I’ve enjoyed working with him day to day.
“He wants to learn and improve his game but all the attributes he has, he is using them. There is still a lot more steps in him to go but he was incredible on Saturday against Rotherham.
“He performed from the first minute until the last and when he plays like that, it’s scary to think how good he can be. He can go to the top if he plays like he did on Saturday and can get better.
“I’ve always said with loans that it is a two-way street. They do well for us, hopefully we do well for them, and they go back to their clubs improved. It is satisfaction because, like most of the young players, they are sponges, they want to learn, they are hungry and do well at this club.
“If you watch the way Tomori celebrates every goal; he sprints up the field and celebrates with everyone and he feels it. That is what the fans want to see and that’s what makes players to have the capabilities to be top players because it comes from that hunger within.
“We have huge satisfaction with how he has progressed and he needs to keep it going for the last couple of games.”
His fellow Chelsea loanee Mason Mount also earned praise from the boss following his return to the first-team due to injury.
The 20-year-old missed two months of the season with a hamstring injury but he made a goalscoring return to the side last Saturday.
He scored Derby’s fourth goal of the afternoon and also made a telling contribution in the convincing 6-1 victory against Rotherham United.
“Mason has been a big loss,” admitted Lampard. “
His energy, his quality, everything about him, his ability to find a pass through the lines quickly, has been a miss so we are happy to have him back now. He also rubs off on players around him with the quality players that we have.
“It was good for Mason to get his goal, play so well and that being his first game back, I’m hoping there is more to come.”
