By kickspoll 
There are eight players out of contract at Pride Park at the end of the season, but one player is doing himself no harm at all.
Curtis Nelson’s header against QPR last weekend was nothing short of brilliant, leaving his teammates in disbelief and sparking a debate. Some on social media tried to offer alternatives, but consensus quickly formed that nothing in recent memory could match Nelson’s 15-yard bullet header into the top corner.
The buzz around Nelson’s goal reached more than nine million views on Derby County’s Twitter, with manager Paul Warne also heaping praise after the game. This wasn’t the first time Nelson showcased his set-piece prowess, and it’s unlikely to be the last.
However, beyond his spectacular goal, Nelson’s overall performance this season has flown under the radar. With two goals, one assist, and four clean sheets in five home league matches, he’s shown his form is more than just a fluke.
As one of eight players whose contracts are expiring at the end of the season, Nelson’s form surely tempts Derby into a new contract decision. His partnership with Eiran Cashin last season provided the foundation for Derby’s defensive strength, and he continues to be a key player this season. The fact that Nelson is keeping Liverpool loanee Nat Phillips out of the lineup speaks volumes.
It’s clear that Nelson, often dubbed “the Admiral” by fans for his commanding presence, is pushing Derby toward a straightforward decision: when, not if, they’ll offer him a new contract.
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Players out of contract at the end of the season: Jacob Widell-Zetterstrom, Kenzo Goudmijn, Ebou Adams, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, Josh Vickers, Eiran Cashin, Callum Elder, Ryan Nyambe, Ben Osborn, Joe Ward, Corey Blackett-Taylor, Kayden Jackson, Jake Rooney, Dajaune Brown, Darren Robinson.