Morley's Match Musings: Clement's Team Management Working Wonders
Monday, 21st Dec 2015 14:04 by Nathan Morley

It was a great result on Saturday at Portman Road. Ipswich are a strong side and always difficult to beat but Derby are becoming very able away from home.

You don’t need to look further than the win at Hull for example as the Rams are finding ways to frustrate their hosts and consistently pose a threat in attack.

Keogh and Shackell continue to show their worth in defence, this has been said before and it will be said again, but what a partnership they are forming. Only Middlesbrough has conceded fewer league goals in the division this season.

It seems that Tom Ince is a player that needs a bit of confidence to help him play at his best, well he has it now and is really kicking on following up Tuesday’s hat-trick with the match winning goal on Saturday.

Putting him centrally in a 4-2-3-1 against Bristol City was a wise move from the manager. Paul Clement clearly believes 4-3-3 is his strongest but maybe he chose 4-2-3-1 to suit Ince and give him more of a starring role to boost his confidence.

Either way, Ince is doing exactly what we know he can do. He has the potential to be a magical player, especially at Championship level and he is coming good at what will be a crucial time which could prove to be a huge asset in the coming months.

Paul Clement, to nobody’s surprise, reverted back to the trusted 4-3-3 with Martin returning at Ipswich. It just ticks. But it was good to see an alternative trialled this week. 4-3-3 gets the best out of the two players most pivotal to success, Martin and Thorne. Steve McClaren knew that and Clement won’t be able to change that fact overnight, instead just keep it working for as many players as possible.

While the Rams were hanging on for a win at Portman Road, Boro sent out one heck of a statement to Derby and the chasing pack with a 3-0 win at Brighton. Just a week ago I was praising what a good side Brighton looked after their iPro visit last Saturday.

Middlesbrough has a brilliant squad and increasingly looks like a Premier League side in-waiting. In under two weeks’ time, the Rams face a trip to the Riverside. Of course it’s a ‘I’d take a point’ kind of game, a simple must not lose to keep in check with the top two spots, having said that Derby could be top by then. A week is a long time in this division.

Paul Clement’s management of the team has had a good week. The bold changes against Bristol City were good for him to get a feel of his options and his subsequent subs changed the game for the better. His management of Ince has worked wonders, if it can be put down to the boss. Not forgetting the change in formation and personnel for the Ipswich match.

Clement’s passion and excitement was on display on the touchline for all to see On Saturday and its obvious he and the players are excited by the treasures on offer and enjoying the way things are unfolding so far.

Long may it continue!