The new Derby County signing impressed for Paul Warne’s side, despite the Rams losing to League One Shrewsbury Town.
Paul Warne’s side were undone in their latest pre-season friendly against Shrewsbury Town as the League One side beat Derby County 2-1.
The game expressed the necessity of Derby County making further signings this summer ahead of the new season, despite having five new arrivals already.
Midfield options have been massively bolstered ahead of the 2024/25 Championship season, however it has become clear that depth in attack and in particular in-between the sticks is very short, something that Warne is looking to prioritise.
Despite the unsatisfactory performance, certain individuals impressed, including the likes of James Collins, who bagged the only Derby County goal of the game.
One of Derby County’s new arrivals also massively impressed Warne, with the former Rotherham United boss suggesting that it was a ‘phenomenal’ performance from him.
Derby County signing David Ozoh impresses in Rams debut
Crystal Palace midfielder David Ozoh has massively bolstered Warne’s options this season, and the youngster has arrived on loan with Premier League experience from the 2023/24 campaign with the Eagles.
Per Derby County’s website, Warne said: “I thought David [Ozoh] did really well.
“In possession of the ball, we had one six and two eights. Tom Barkhuizen then had a freer role, so it was very difficult for the midfielders.
“I thought their actual play and David’s work rate was pretty phenomenal. It might not have looked it, but it was because they were covering all angles.”
Ozoh managed 74 minutes of action on his debut against Shrewsbury Town before he was brought off.
David Ozoh could bring the best out of Derby County midfield
Ozoh managed to provide a brilliant example of doing the dirty work against Shrewsbury Town, which gave the opportunity for ‘two eights’ to push slightly further forward and have more creative freedom.
This could potentially turn other midfielders, such as new arrival Kenzo Goudmijn, into a brilliant asset for the club, especially with him having the freedom as a result of Ozoh locking down the defensive-midfield slot.
The Crystal Palace midfielder’s defensive awareness could also see new signing Ben Osborn utilised in a slightly more attacking role, which could see him provide in terms of attacking output for Derby County, as he has done in previous Championship seasons with Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest.
If Warne looks to set Derby County up more conservatively against top opposition, Ozoh will still be able to perform alongside Ebou Adams. The shrewd signing of the youngster has opened up several opportunities for Warne’s side, something that could be crucial this season.