Reaction from Derby County expert as Crystal Palace take the plunge on Plange

BY EDMUND BRACK

Luke Plange’s immediate impact at Derby County convinced Crystal Palace to strike a deal that could be worth £1million to secure his services on deadline day.

The 19-year-old put pen to paper on a three-and-a-half-year deal with the South Londoners and joined Jean-Philippe Mateta, who had his loan from Mainz converted into a permanent deal, as Palace’s only business of the January window.

Plange has recently shone in Wayne Rooney’s Derby side, who are battling for Championship survival after they were written off following their 21-point deduction. He has scored three goals in eight senior appearances and will spend the rest of the season back on loan at Pride Park to help the Rams in their attempts to avoid relegation.

Steve Nicholson, the football editor and chief football writer for the Derby Telegraph, spoke to the South London Press about Plange’s rapid rise.

“What has impressed me is what I have been impressed by with all of the youngsters in Derby’s team,” said Nicholson. “There is a willingness to work hard, improve, and the way they have coped with a difficult situation this season.

“The goal against Birmingham showed he can cope with a pressure situation. Derby were 2-0 down, 87 minutes on the clock, in front of a full house, and the instinct is to snatch as any opportunity. But Luke had the composure to move the ball on to his right foot in a crowded area and curl a finish into the far corner.

“[Wayne] Rooney [Derby’s manager] has said previously that he thinks Luke has got a lot of different attributes as a striker, which is interesting because usually they can be pigeonholed into being one type or another type of striker.

“He can come for the ball and hold it up, which will improve as he gets older and more experienced. He can also run in behind defenders, he can run channels and his work rate is terrific. He scores different goals, which is always valuable for a striker.

“His first goal for Derby was from about two yards out against Blackpool at home. He has got a number of different attributes, which I think is probably what Palace have seen. When a young striker has those, it gives them lots to work from.”

Plange, who learnt his craft at Arsenal’s academy, has been praised for his natural raw talent, impressive turn of pace, and distinguished first touch, since coming into the Derby first team.

He has only played 491 minutes of senior first-team football. Nicholson said: “This is where we have to be slightly careful, because he’s still very young, and he only broke into the first team in December – it’s all new to him. With all young players, you’re going to get dips in form and peaks and troughs.

“What’s important is that young players keep learning and trying to improve. And to be working with Wayne Rooney, what more does a young striker want?

“The Championship is a tough environment, even when things are going well. But in adversity, it can be remarkably tough.

“Wayne is not afraid to put them in. If he likes what he sees in training – if they’re working hard and showing a willingness to improve – he will put them in. That’s what he has done with Luke Plange.

“Wayne has been really pleased with his progress so far. He has got a lot to learn – a long way to go. You can’t expect the finished article after eight league games or at 19, unless you are a special player, such as Rooney was.

On the significance of the EFL allowing Plange to spend the second half of the season back on loan with Derby – who are in administration – Nicholson said: “Derby have got a small squad because of the transfer embargo they’re under – Rooney has not been allowed to make signings or extend contracts of players within the squad.

“It was vital that they were able to retain Luke on loan.

“The hope is that he can keep chipping in with goals – it will help Derby make the great escape. If they manage to stay up, it will be the greatest of footballing escapes, having been docked 21 points.”

When asked if he believed Palace had taken advantage of Derby’s financial situation, with Rooney alluding to the move being “too early” in Plange’s fledgling career, Nicholson said:

“Quite rightly, clubs will look at the situation and see what young players Derby have got.

“He would have been out of contract at the end of the season. There is a lot of promise there, but it’s not proven yet.

“It’s what happens in football. Derby’s situation is their own, and there’s not a lot we can do about that.

“Whether Luke is a bargain or not, time will tell on that, but Palace have certainly got a player with really good potential.”

PICTURES: CRYSTAL PALACE FC