Hat-trick hero Martyn Waghorn along with Mason Mount, back after injury, took the headlines in Derby County's 6-1 victory over Rotherham United but midfielder Bradley Johnson's display also caught Frank Lampard's eye.
Lampard said Johnson looked like a "leader" in the holding role as the Rams swept aside the Millers in the Championship clash.
Johnson, who is out of contract in the summer, has started the last four matches in which Derby have remained unbeaten with two wins and two draws.
They have beaten Wigan Athletic and Rotherham , and drawn with Sheffield Wednesday and Stoke City.
"Bradley did brilliantly," said Lampard.
"He scored a really good goal, but it was also his performance in terms of security on the ball, in terms of strength and winning balls back, and in directing people.
"He looked to me like a leader out there in that holding-midfield position. I was delighted with him." .
Lampard was full of praise for both Waghorn and Mount.
" I'm delighted for Waggy ," he said.
"Even though it has not been going for him in the last few games, you know he gives everything and I think in football you get what you deserve when you do that, and he got his hat trick.
"He gives us quality, on top of his work-rate. He gives his all for this club."
Waghorn treble took his goals' tally to 11 for the season.
Mount was back after missing 10 matches due to a hamstring problem.
The midfielder won the first of Waghorn's two penalties, scored Derby's fourth goal and assisted in the fifth.
"Mason has worked incredibly hard to get fit. We have got a hungry Mason who is desperate to play like he did against Rotherham," Lampard said.