3/1 To Win
Liam Thompson is thriving on having the responsibility that comes with being a senior member of Derby County’s Under-23 squad.
The 19-year-old midfielder is one of the more experienced players in the group in the 2021/22 campaign with Pat Lyons’ squad predominantly made up of first-year professionals.
Thompson, along with defender Eiran Cashin and midfielder Connor Dixon, are the three most experienced players at Under-23 level within the squad.
That means the trio have a valuable role to play for the Under-23s both on and off the pitch in leading the young group.
While it’s a situation that is new to Thompson, who has made six appearances for the Under-23s in Premier League 2 - Division 1 this term after racking up 17 last term and five in 2019/20, it’s one he is enjoying.
Speaking to RamsTV in the October edition of The Academy Review Show, Thompson said: “We do have a young group in the Under-23s this year and there’s probably myself, Connor Dixon and Eiran Cashin as the three senior players at the minute.
“I think it has helped when a few players have dropped in from the first-team and it is a new experience for us having a younger group, but I think we’re dealing with it better now.
“It has been good stepping into this role as a senior player in the group, as it’s one I haven’t really experienced before.
“There are lads that actually hadn’t played a single game with the Under-23s until this season and compared to the younger age groups, so it is completely different for us as a group.
“You are up against professionals, senior professionals in some cases, at this level and it is something you have to adapt to.
“As a more senior player it is about trying to help those coming through and giving advice out to help those other players.”
Derby’s Under-23s are back in league action on Saturday when they head south to face Chelsea (1pm kick-off).
One win and five defeats from their opening six league games have them at the foot of the table, but a win over the Blues would see Derby leapfrog their opponents.
Despite going down 1-0 at Manchester City in their last league game two weeks ago, it was one of the Under-23s’ best displays for the season and offered plenty of encouragement.
“It has been a bit of a mixed start to the season,” Thompson said when assessing the season so far for the Under-23s.
“The Manchester City game was probably our best performance of the season and were disappointed to lose.
“In the other matches, looking back, we are aware we needed to be better as a team. We know there’s some results that could have been better, but I think we can take confidence moving forward.
“It isn’t always plain sailing in football and it’s important to know that. We are close as a group and we can’t control what is happening off the pitch, we must just focus on our jobs as players and there’s a real togetherness here.”
Thompson has trained with the first team on a regular basis this season but is yet to make his league bow.
He impressed manager Wayne Rooney in pre-season and with the senior group capped at a certain number at this time, it means Thompson is having to be patient.
“The manager and staff have kept me involved, which is important as a young player,” he said.
“It has been difficult but the gaffer, Liam Rosenior, Justin Walker and the players have all been so good with me and the rest of the lads.”
