Jacob Butterfield can become a key figure for Derby County next season, especially under the guidance of Gary Rowett.
Derby supporters will be hoping to see vast improvement from the 27-year-old following a disappointing 2016/17 campaign. He made 45 appearances in all competitions for the club, but only managed to score one goal.
It was a season to forget for the Rams, but even more so for Butterfield in his second full campaign at Pride Park. He failed to carry on over his good form from his debut season, where he scored seven goals from midfield.
Jacob Butterfield scored just one goal in 45 appearances last season
It is time for Butterfield to step up to the plate and fully justify the £4 million paid to Huddersfield Town for his services (Derby Telegraph).
The recent sale of club’s academy starlet and England U21 international Will Hughes to Watford has led their fans to question whether there is enough of a creative outlet in the centre of the park.
Butterfield will be keen to show that he is the man who can provide both goals and assists on a consistent basis from central midfield.
His performances improved as the season progressed but in particular when Rowett arrived as Derby’s new boss in March.
A common criticism of Butterfield last campaign was his safety-first approach, where he was content to pass the ball sideways rather than forward.
The former Norwich and Middlesbrough man has suffered with consistency and a major factor behind this is his lack of confidence. His perceived negative style of play reflects this.
Butterfield has shown that he is capable of being one of the league’s most productive midfielders and there is no reason why he cannot rediscover that form.
In his two years with the club, Butterfield has already played under five different first-team managers. However, Butterfield can look forward to thriving in a promotion push under Rowett, who looks set to be at the club for the long-haul.
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