Wigan Athletic’s Dutch winger is on his way to Norwich City, meaning Derby County desperately need to find goals from another source.
While Derby County’s goal-scoring problems have been highlighted extensively in recent weeks, the lack of an in-form left winger to take the pressure off talisman Tom Ince has arguably proved equally damaging.
After all, Johnny Russell has just one goal, and no assists, to show for 21 Championship appearances while Ikechi Anya and Abdoul Camara have been linked with a mid-season exit after failing to hold down a starting place.
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Therefore, reports in The Mirror that the Rams have missed out on Wigan Athletic wide man Yanic Wildschut, to play-off rivals Norwich City no less, could have major repercussions further down the line.
Wigan may be the only Championship side who have found the net on fewer occasions than Derby this season but Wildschut, the tricky left winger ideal for Steve McClaren’s 4-3-3 system, has still mustered four second tier goals. In fact, only one player in Derby’s squad, who else but Ince, has scored more this season.
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Yet, the Mirror reports that Norwich are set to complete the deadline day deal after meeting the Latics £7 million asking price, funded by Robbie Brady’s impending move to Burnley.
However, if Derby are to avoid yet another near-miss under McClaren, an addition of fire-power is a must. And Wildschut, either through scoring himself or creating chances for others with his probing passes and incisive dribbling, could at least have upped the Rams’ productivity to more than a goal a game on average.
The phrase ‘missed opportunity’ comes to mind. And, with 27 goals in 27 games, Derby know a lot about missed opportunities.
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