After just over a year at the club, Abdoul Camara is starting to make his mark on Derby County.
Since the return of Steve McClaren, Derby County have performed a fantastic turnaround in form, climbing up from the depths of the relegation zone to the play-offs. Clicking under McClaren’s coaching and style of play, the Rams are looking like a good bet for promotion, and boast one of the best defensive records in the division.
Quite why the Rams struggled so much under former boss, Nigel Pearson, is difficult to answer. Perhaps it was the former Leicester boss’ tactics, or the fact that he tried to put square pegs in round holes; forcing players so obviously suited to a 4-3-3 to play in a basic 4-4-2. Whatever it is Pearson couldn’t do, McClaren can.
Derby manager Steve McClaren
As part of McClaren’s Rams revival, a number of players have come seemingly out of the woodwork over the past few months. Tom Ince’s form has skyrocketed under McClaren, and the goals from Darren Bent have just kept coming, as well as a number of improvements in players like Bradley Johnson, Craig Bryson and Chris Baird.
However, it’s one player in particular that has Rams fans talking: Guinean winger Abdoul Camara.
Derby’s Abdoul Camara in action
Joining the Rams in January 2016 from French side Angers SCO, Abdoul Camara made his name in France as a frightening, pacy winger, who on many occasions could be seen pulling defences apart with his trickery.
However, due to injuries and the chopping and changing of managers at Pride Park, Camara has struggled for a chance to impress; until now.
Abdoul Camara of Derby County
Starting to feature much more frequently now under McClaren, Camara is really starting to catch the eye. His performance in the FA Cup against West Bromwich Albion had Derby fans singing his name, and despite struggling against Leeds United, the Guinean winger picked up a start for Derby in their recent match against Ipswich Town; subsequently running the Ipswich defence ragged.
After not bringing in another winger in the window, it looks like Abdoul Camara is finally going to be given a chance to show Derby County fans just what he can do in a Rams shirt.
Championship defences, beware!
General view of Derby County fans
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