Nathaniel Mendez Laing's Derby County exit may hint at big John Eustace plan | OneFootball

The experienced winger has reunited with former Rams boss Paul Warne at Stadium MK.

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing's free transfer from Derby County to League Two side MK Dons has certainly raised eyebrows, but the move may reveal manager John Eustace's tactical blueprint for the upcoming Championship season.

The experienced winger has reunited with former Rams boss Paul Warne at Stadium MK - dropping two divisions in the process.

It could insinuate that Eustace is planning to permanently abandon the use of traditional wingers, in favour of the 3-5-2 formation that helped secure Championship survival this past season.

The surprising nature of Mendez-Laing's Derby County exit

Mendez-Laing's exit from Pride Park is very much on the unexpected side of summer departures - given that the 33-year-old was still under contract with Derby for another year - yet the club allowed him to leave on a free with no compensation exchanged.

It has somewhat disappointingly become clear this season that Mendez-Laing is no longer at the level required to play Championship football - but there is absolutely no denying he has made a massive contribution to the Rams during his three-year stay.

Breaking the club record last season for most assists in a single league season, 16, he acknowledged the impact Derby had on his career by saying in an Instagram post: "When I arrived at Derby County, the goal was clear, to help get this great club back to the Championship.

"Together, we've done that. It's been an honor to play my part in such a special journey. Along the way, I've been fortunate to achieve some personal milestones; being named club captain, setting the record for most assists in a season for a Derby player, and earning nominations for both player and team of the Season.

"None of that would've been possible without the support of my teammates, the staff, and most importantly, the fans. Your belief and energy pushed us every step of the way. Wearing the Rams shirt has been an honor, and I leave with memories I'll cherish forever.

"Thank you Derby, wishing the club continued success in the Championship and beyond."

John Eustace's willingness to adapt and possible implications the Mendez-Laing deal suggests

John Eustace's brief but impactful tenure so far in the East Midlands has been characterised by his flexibility when it comes to picking his tactics.

Since taking over from Warne in February, Eustace has experimented with various formations, including his favoured 4-2-3-1, 4-3-1-2, and most notably, a 3-5-2 system that proved to get the best out of the available players, and helped Derby stay up.

Eustace's willingness to adapt meant he had to stop using his preferred 4-2-3-1 system which he deployed at Blackburn, and this deal could implicate that Eustace may view the 3-5-2 as his long-term solution for Derby's Championship aspirations after all.

Rather than investing in traditional wingers, Derby's transfer strategy may focus on acquiring wing-backs who can provide an attacking threat. Providing depth to Kane Wilson, Cody Drameh is a player who has already been linked to the Rams - and he can play on the opposite side.

There's no doubt the upcoming transfer window will reveal more about how Eustace wants to set up next season, but supporters will be eager to see how Mendez-Laing is replaced, and if his attacking contributions from this past season can be bettered by whoever his replacement is.