By Philip Dillon
Harry Wilson is arriving.
On Wednesday night, Derby went to Southampton for the final set of 3rd round FA Cup fixtures.
Frank Lampard’s side had a goal ruled out in the first half by VAR and in the second period found themselves 2-0 down with 15 minutes to go. Game over? Nah.
The Rams showed their resilience by scoring two goals in six minutes to bring the match into extra time. The Championship side went on to win on penalties 5-3 with Irish defender Richard Keogh converting the deciding penalty.
Frank Lampard’s side put in another performance that proves they can compete against Premier League teams, an encouraging sign as the playoffs approach.
Derby played some great football and a man who was integral to their victory – yet again – was Harry Wilson.
The winger who is on loan from Liverpool has been one of Derby’s star players this season. Wilson played a part in both goals, converting a free kick and swinging in a peach of a cross from the right wing for Martin Waghorn to score.
When you drill down even more, the 21-year-old has been posting some remarkable stats this season.
Harry Wilson 2018/19
- 6 goals from direct free kicks.
- 8 goals from outside the box
8 goals from outside the box is the most from any player in the top 4 leagues of English football this season.
8 – Harry Wilson has scored eight goals from outside the box for Derby County in all competitions this season, at least twice as many as any other player in the top four tiers of English football in 2018-19. Specialist. #FACup #SOUDER pic.twitter.com/DcLtuWBdGg
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 16, 2019
Liverpool fans are very excited about Wilson’s development and they should be. He is an exciting player to watch, quick and skilful on the ball and has a wand for a left foot. His ability in a dead ball situation is exceptional. Ireland and Manchester United fans will be familiar with that after he scored two remarkable free kicks earlier this season against both sides.
Frank Lampard’s team are currently 6th in the Championship, holding the final playoff spot. If Harry Wilson continues to perform as well as he has they should no doubt remain there if not push on to contend for automatic promotion.
September ✅
October ✅
November ✅
December ✅For the fourth month in a row, @HarryWilson_ is our Goal of the Month winner! 💥
That second angle… 💫 pic.twitter.com/7apVoMdq3l
— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) January 7, 2019
Liverpool has one of the most feared front three in world football but they do not have the squad depth in these positions if Mane or Salah were to suffer a long term-injury. Xherdan Shaquiri has been impressive this season and Adam Lallana and Alex Oxlade Chamberlain could fill in there if needed but the main problem lies with the fact that the two English internationals have been extremely injury prone in recent times.
There should be a massive opportunity there for Harry Wilson to break through to the first team next season as he is a versatile player who has the ability to play on both wings. It is also worth mentioning that Liverpool has not had a player who can score free kicks as frequently as Harry Wilson does since the loss of Phillipe Coutinho.
Wilson could easily fill that void for them in future.
