How Lampard has put his stamp on Derby

The former Chelsea player seemed to be a risky appointment when it was announced that he would take over the reigns at Derby, but has guided them in to the play-off places after 18 games.

With the 'Rams' about to face off against their former manager, now at Stoke, the team are a lot different now to how they finished last season under Gary Rowett.

Lampard has firstly reduced the age of the squad from 29 years old to 26, with more senior players like Bradley Johnson and Curtis Davies giving way to the likes of Mason Mount, Harry Wilson and Fikayo Tomori.

Derby are also now more dominant in possession, averaging 57% in their games this season compared to 47% last year, as well as increasing the amount of passing and passing accuracy noticeably as shown by 'Sky Sports'.

As the Midlands side edge closer towards the half-way point of their season, where they have crumbled in recent years, will the Lampard philosophy be able to withstand the rigours of the Championship season?