Derby County had a busy summer transfer window and look a much stronger side for it, with several statement signings made.
Derby County battled to secure promotion from League One last season, but Paul Warne’s squad has faced somewhat of an overhaul since securing their spot in the Championship.
Their numerous new additions have arrived at Pride Park with the goal of maintaining the Rams’ place in the second tier. Deals for the likes of Jacob Widell Zetterstrom and Kenzo Goudmijn are among the most eye-catching with 11 new faces through the door.
The international break will have given the new faces some more time to get up to speed with Warne’s system and settle in. Those sidelined will have had time to recover too.
But after the summer transfer window, what is Warne’s strongest Derby County XI? We take a look here…
Strongest Derby County XI
(4-2-3-1)
Zetterstrom; Nyambe, Nelson, Cashin, Elder; Ozoh, Adams; Jackson, Goudmijn, Mendez-Laing; Yates.
Fresh face Zetterstrom has slotted straight into the number one spot with some impressive showings during his short stay so far, whilst a fairly recognisable back four remains in front of him.
New loan addition Nat Phillips will surely be raring at the bit to work his way into the centre of defence, but the tried and tested partnership of Curtis Nelson and Eiran Cashin will be tough to break into based on current form. It would not be a surprise to see the trio play together in a back three should Warne switch formation.
It is also a difficult decision choosing between right-backs Ryan Nyambe and Kane Wilson. This is also formation dependent as Nyambe offers great solidity in a flat back four whereas Wilson offers flare in the wing-back role.
The midfield almost picks itself after the Rams’ recent victory over Bristol City. To a man, Warne’s side were excellent during their 3-0 win. David Ozoh and Ebou Adams had a massive part to play and looked a very well balanced pairing in the middle of the park, whilst Goudmijn is the obvious pick ahead of them in attacking midfield.
Kayden Jackson has started the campaign on fire with three goals and an assist so far, meaning his role out wide on the opposite flank to Nathaniel Mendez-Laing is not up for debate. Rounding off the attack, Jerry Yates seems to have settled in well and could prove a real threat this season.
The players left out
Some of the names left out of the Derby County starting XI indicate the vastly improved depth at Pride Park.
Liverpool loanee Phillips is an exciting addition who will surely play his part over the course of the season, whilst the same can be said for Ipswich Town loanee Marcus Harness.
Ben Osborn is another summer recruit who would perhaps expect to be a regular starter for the Rams, though early injury struggles have allowed his fellow midfield compatriots to begin forming relationships on the pitch in his place.
James Collins was a vital part of the Rams’ promotion as their top scorer last season, but is now likely to fill a regular spot on the bench alongside the likes of Tom Barkhuizen, Liam Thompson, Craig Forsyth and Joe Ward.
Josh Vickers will return to his role as second choice goalkeeper due to Zetterstrom’s arrival, whilst young striker Dajaune Brown will likely continue to gain chances from the bench or in cup competitions.
