Joe Ledley has praised the ‘Premier League’ quality that Tom Huddlestone brings to the Derby County midfield and the ‘good partnership’ the pair have struck up in recent games.
The Rams duo have lined up alongside each other in each of the last four matches, which have seen Gary Rowett’s side claim two wins, two draws and three clean sheets in the process.
During that time, Ledley says Huddlestone, who made his 400th career start in the 2-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend. is proving how good a player he is.
The 30-year-old also feels that with the defensive assurance his partner provides, it will give more opportunities to build on the debut goal he scored in the 1-1 draw at Brentford last month.
“Having Tom in midfield helps me and gives me the license to get forward a bit more,” Ledley told RamsTV.
“I’m sure in the games we have coming up that I will have more of an opportunity to add some goals.
“We have got a good partnership in the middle of the park – I have played against him a few times in the Premier League and he’s a quality player.
“Saying that, the whole team, in my eyes, is Premier League quality.”
It’s been just over a month since Ledley signed for Derby on a short-term deal.
Since then, he has slipped seamlessly into the starting XI and his own contributions and quality have been evidence.
Ledley says he feels in a great place at the moment, is thoroughly enjoying his time at Pride Park Stadium and is just focussed on maintaining the solid start he has made to life as a Ram.
He added: “I’ve settled in really well. Credit to the manager, because he has put me in from the first game and it’s been good to just be out there playing football after these last few months.
“It’s a pleasure to be here and hopefully I can keep this going.
“It’s been non-stop this past month with football. I’ve been involved in the international games as well so I’m feeling really good at the moment.
“I just need to keep my form up, keep playing as many games as I can and hopefully help this club get as many points as possible. We’re on the right track, we just need to keep it going.”
