3/1 To Win
Derby County have showcased exciting football in their first pre-season matches under Frank Lampard and Max Lowe believes the style is “perfect” for the “fit and energetic” Rams.
Coming off an impressive showing against Southampton, Lowe played in the first half of the 1-0 win over Coventry City at Liberty Way.
The Rams’ game-plan has been refined over the first four of five pre-season friendlies as Lampard’s philosophies have been played out on the pitch.
Building on from the positives of the 3-0 victory over the Saints on Saturday, Derby again showed high-possession football playing hard both in and out of possession.
Lowe says that this energetic style suits the squad but also his own individual style of play where he likes to play out from the back and press forward.
Following the win, the full-back told RamsTV: “Moving on from the Southampton game we have been really confident and built on that in tonight’s game, hopefully we can do the same Saturday.
“It’s having that patience and not being too down if we make a mistake in possession then reacting quickly out of possession. I think it’s perfect for us because we have got some fit players and we are showing our energy out on the pitch.
“Getting forward is one of the strengths of my game so I need to excel in that and then do my part defensively for the team as well. I just have to play to my strengths and improve on my weaknesses.”
The manager fielded a different 11 in each half with the 21-year-old being joined by a handful of other young Rams fighting to make an impression and push for spots on the squad.
The introduction of the likes of Lowe, Louie Sibley, Calum Macdonald, Max Bird, Jayden Bogle and Luke Thomas added extra competition for the veterans of the squad, which he believes helps all-round.
“This year the squad is very strong and there is heathy competition in every position all over the pitch,” said Lowe.
“Every day in training and in the games we are playing, like tonight, everyone is fighting for their position.
“You have 45 minutes, you have to leave it all out on the pitch like you played 90. That’s what we did in the first-half then the lads carried that on in the second-half.”
Lowe has enjoyed a positive pre-season back at Derby after spending the second half of last season on loan at Shrewsbury Town.
The young left-back has put forward a solid case for himself going into the season and realises his time to break through is now.
“You always enjoy it when you are out there playing, especially with the way we have been playing this pre-season. It’s looking positive for the season.
“I’m just taking it game by game and learning each day. I know I’m at the age that I’ve got to take care of myself now, I’m not going to be messing about and I know it’s a great opportunity for me.
“I’ve just got to keep my head down and keep going. Hopefully I can get more minutes on the pitch and hopefully we can get the result going into the Reading game.”
