The headline you see above is nothing new in football.
It’s ‘a squad game’ is a phrase you will hear a lot in the confines of any football club in the world, but Andre Wisdom says Mason Bennett’s introduction from substitutes bench against Reading last Friday is proof enough that phrase is closer to truth than cliché.
Thrown on as a 73rd minute – with the game finely poised at one apiece – the 22-year-old delivered on Frank Lampard’s orders to push, force, hassle and harry his opponents, but also contribute, if given the opportunity, in the final third.
He did just that. From the right, his pinpoint cross was guided into the far corner by Tom Lawrence in the 94th minute and Wisdom says the impact that the Rams’ Academy product had is a sign of the mentality within the Derby dressing room.
“He’s worked hard all throughout pre-season,” Wisdom told RamsTV.
“He always gives 100 per cent and it proved again last Friday when he came on. He never stopped running and he was knackered at the end, despite only playing 20 minutes!
“That’s what it is all about, though. Everyone has to be ready to make an impact because we’re a team and everyone will contribute, whether they are starting or not starting. We all need to try and make a positive impact.”
He added: “It was like any first game of the season. It was a bit cagey from both teams and Lozza (Tom Lawrence) has come up with a header like that!
“I don’t think he has scored a header before, but it was a great way to win, especially away from home and because we didn’t play as well as we know we can. To win any game is nice, but to win it like that was something special.”
With that dramatic win behind them, a first home game of the 2018/19 season – against historic rivals Leeds United – is next up for Lampard and his side.
The Whites, managed by Marcelo Bielsa, opened their own season with a 3-1 victory over title-favourites Stoke City at Elland Road.
That combined with a rivalry that dates back to the ‘70s, Wisdom, born and raised in Leeds, is expecting nothing more than another ‘tasty’ battle at Pride Park Stadium in the Saturday evening kick-off.
“I wouldn’t say it is special, but it’s certainly a big game. Leeds is my home city and is the place that I grew up, so for that reason it is always nice to come up against them,” the defender said.
“All of my friends will probably come to the game too. Leeds are a big club – one that everyone knows about – so it is impossible not to hear about them.
“I had a cousin that played there in the youth teams too so if there were ever any free tickets, so I went to a few games.”
He added: “I’ve heard a few stories! I’m sure it will be the same again on Saturday evening. When we played Leeds last season, we had two tasty games and I’m expecting nothing less again.
“It’s always good to get your home fixtures started after playing away the weekend before. We will be looking to show our fans just what we have been doing over pre-season.”
