MX23RW : Friday, November 22 00:34:08| >> :120:33750:33750:
[monks data]
Attendance: 25,442
Derby logo
Championship | Gameweek 34
Feb 21, 2020 at 7.45pm UK
 
Fulham logo

1-1

Rooney (55' pen.)
FT(HT: 0-0)
Mitrovic (71')

Scott Parker, Phillip Cocu lavish praise on Wayne Rooney

Scott Parker, Phillip Cocu lavish praise on Wayne Rooney
© Reuters
Rooney marked a landmark appearance with a goal.

Fulham boss Scott Parker saluted his former England team-mate Wayne Rooney after Derby's skipper marked his 500th English league appearance with a Panenka penalty in a 1-1 draw at Pride Park.

Rooney was the centre of attention as usual and he did not disappoint in a more advanced role, controlling the game with measured passes and dangerous set plays.

Parker acknowledged Rooney's influence when he said: "He's had a massive impact since he's been here, it's no surprise Derby's upturn in form has coincided with Wayne coming to the club.

"I have no doubt, I don't know looking in from the outside, but when you bring in a player of Wayne Rooney's calibre, you're not just talking about his technique because that's there for everyone to see.

"But you bring a player into the building that has a mentality of knowing what it is about and driving standards every single day and he's probably scooping a few up along the way.

"That's what you get and obviously at times tonight you see his quality as well. He's had to adapt his game but you often find that the world-class players can do that.

"They understand they can't do what they used to but they quickly work out and find a way to be effective and Wayne's certainly done that.

Matt Clarke was denied by Marek Rodak who turned behind a Tom Lawrence shot as Derby shaded the first half.

They went ahead in the 55th minute when Fulham were caught trying to play out and after Tim Ream was adjudged to have handled, Rooney cheekily beat Rodak.

But Aleksandar Mitrovic volleyed in his 22nd league goal of the season in the 71st minute before Rooney drove Derby forward again only for Rodak to make two more great saves.

Derby manager Phillip Cocu said: "Tonight Wayne played in a more forward position as a number 10. He showed great skill, great vision, technical ability and he's important in all aspects tactically.

"He can adapt if any changes have to be made during the game and that's always a pleasure for a manager or coach to have somebody who can do that.

"Also what he brings to the club, he helps the young players develop. He talks a lot to individuals, most of the days before training he's in the coaches' office to see how we work. He gives his input and his opinion so he knows exactly how we work.

"He can help us during a game in this way as well so for me it's a pleasure to have a player of his ability and quality but also his personality in the team."

ID:390479: cacheID:390479:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:4300:No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Derby manager Phillip Cocu on February 8, 2020
Read Next:
Phillip Cocu criticises Jayden Bogle after error leads to draw
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
1.15am
Steelers
@
Browns
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Sunderland1594225111431
2Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd1510321971231
3Leeds UnitedLeeds158522491529
4Burnley157621861227
5West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom15672169725
6Watford158162322125
7Middlesbrough157352317624
8Millwall156541813523
9Blackburn RoversBlackburn156451917222
10Bristol City155732019122
11Swansea CitySwansea155461110119
12Derby CountyDerby155461919019
13Stoke CityStoke155461819-119
14Norwich CityNorwich154652322118
15Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds155371725-818
16Oxford UnitedOxford Utd154561718-117
17Coventry CityCoventry154472021-116
18Plymouth ArgylePlymouth154471526-1116
19Hull City153661620-415
20Preston North EndPreston153661523-815
21Luton TownLuton154381726-915
22Cardiff CityCardiff154381423-915
23Portsmouth152671628-1212
24Queens Park RangersQPR151771225-1310


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!