Darren Bent says Derby have to go for goals and beat Aston Villa in a shootout to cap an amazing debut season for Frank Lampard – who looks like the “perfect fit” for Chelsea.
Former Derby striker Bent also played for Aston Villa so is perfectly placed to give his verdict on the Sky Bet Championship play-off final on Monday, where they’ll battle it out for a place back in the Premier League.
It would cap a remarkable first season at Pride Park for Lampard, especially given the route to the final when they emerged victorious from a slugfest against Leeds at Elland Road.
“For me they’ve been brilliant, when their backs have been against the wall they’ve come out swinging and they’ve got the result,” Bent told Sporting Life about Lampard’s Derby side.
“Nobody gave them a prayer against Leeds after what they’d done to them this season but they came out swinging, played really well and got the result.
“The biggest compliment for Frank is that he’s identified the young players he wanted and brought them in with the likes of Mason Mount and Harry Wilson and bedded them in with experienced players.”
WATCH: Darren Bent talks Derby's season, Frank Lampard and how the play-off final will be won...
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Lampard looks perfect for Chelsea
Lampard is favourite to be the next Chelsea manager, and is even fancied to take over from Maurizio Sarri this summer regardless of how Derby get on at Wembley.
“What a job he’s done in his first season and the only worry for Derby is if he’ll be there next season. He’s had a great season and whether they go up or not it’d be great to him stay and see if he could back that up, but only Frank knows the answer to that.
“The way Frank knows those young Chelsea players he looks a perfect fit for them especially with their transfer ban.
“But Chelsea is a big step up and we’ve seen over the years that they are ruthless with managers so you wouldn’t want Frank to go there and not do so well and get sacked and ruin his reputation there.
“But if Chelsea come knocking how do you say no?"
Rams need to go for goals
“For Derby to win they’ve just got to outscore them – I don’t think any team could go for a 1-0 and shut up shop, neither side has shown the capability to do that.
“There’s firepower on both teams so whichever team handles the occasion better will ultimately win this game.
“And whoever wins it you have to take your hat off to them as it’s been a long. hard season with a lot of good teams in the Championship this season.”
