3/1 To Win
Mason Mount said he ‘loved’ his start to life in a Derby County shirt as the Rams went in attack mode in a 3-0 pre-season victory over Southampton.
Derby lit up Pride Park Stadium in their return to the home ground for the first time this pre-season as the returning players impressed and new faces made their marks on their debuts.
The Rams stepped up their preparations against the Premier League side and were the more dominant side from start to finish.
Goals were hard to come by in the first-half, but the persistence and hard work paid off in the second with a brace from Tom Lawrence before Mason Bennett sealed the win.
Mount played his part too, showing off his creativity and pace in the midfield and the 19-year-old said he loved his debut.
Mount told RamsTV: “I loved it, the fans were unbelievable. I have played here before once, but to play here in a Derby shirt was great for me.
“To get the win in my first game was a great start for me and the team. To play against a Premier League side and play how we played, it is very exciting for us going in to the season now.”
The start of the Sky Bet Championship season is fast approaching and Frank Lampard is challenging his side in both training and matches to ensure they are ready to go.
The latest test showcased exciting football against a strong Saints team as the Rams put the managers plans into action.
“Before the game we knew it was going to be a tough game against a Premier League side, but the gaffer said we need to start quick, press them and don’t let them have any time on the ball and I think we did that,” said the midfielder, who is on loan from Chelsea.
“We played some great, exciting football. I think that’s what the fans want and we want to play attacking football. I thought we did that, and the way we implemented it was a good start.”
Along with Mount, Harry Wilson and Florian Jozefzoon made their Derby debuts. Wilson, who is on a season-long loan from Liverpool, was in the starting XI with Mount while Jozefzoon, who signed from Brentford, came on during the second-half.
The Dutch winger almost grabbed a goal, but his strike rebounded off the Southampton ‘keeper and straight to Bennett for an easy tap in.
Mount enjoyed being in the mix alongside the other newcomers and said he is settling in well.
“To have ‘H’ and ‘Flo’ there too was great, they played very well today also. Harry joined the same time as I did and I’ve been spending a lot of time with him so it was good for us to start the game together,” Mount said.
“We are just getting to know the other players and how the gaffer wants us to play, I’ve only been here a couple of days and it has been very good so far.”
