Former Derby County man Craig Ramage has hailed Phillip Cocu's decision to move Tom Lawrence into the number 10 position, speaking to the Derby Telegraph ahead of this weekend's trip to Nottingham Forest.

The 25-year-old has endured a hectic season both on and off the pitch, with his performances often flattering to deceive at times.

But last weekend, the left-sided winger was moved into the middle into a number 10 role, and the decision made by Cocu proved to be a masterstroke.

Lawrence produced his best performance of the season so far, thriving at the tip of the diamond and scoring a brace as Derby defeated Middlesbrough by two goals to nil at Pride Park.

It is likely that Cocu will stick with the same team and same formation as they prepare to face bitter rivals Nottingham Forest this weekend.

And speaking in his latest Derby Telegraph column, Ramage, who played in a similar position during his time with the Rams, said: "Playing as the '10' at the tip of the diamond could spark Tom Lawrence's Derby County career.

"We have seen him used in a wide left role for the majority of his time at the club, and it hasn't worked on a consistent basis. What I like about him in the '10' role is that he has a little bit of everything and he appears to understand the position.

"I have seen other players in there, but they are just doing a job. They don't understand it. He knows when to put the ball through to the strikers. He is creative, and a goal threat, and he senses when to step out and find a bit of space.

"I have been saying for a long time now that the position can suit him."

Derby travel to the City Ground whilst occupying 15th spot in the Sky Bet Championship table, winning three of their last five games and sitting four points off the play-off spots.

The Verdict

I think the attacking midfield position suits Lawrence really well, and he should play there for rest of the season in my view.

He doesn't really have the blistering pace and power to play out wide on the left, and he often goes missing a lot of the time when he plays on the flank.

But through the middle, his impressive ball control and guile comes into use, and he has the ability to pick up pockets of space and create something out of nothing.

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