The former Watford and Reading striker joined Derby County this summer on a permanent transfer.
Becoming the Rams’ record signing in the summer, much was expected of Matej Vydra when he arrived at Derby County from Watford.
Signed under former boss Nigel Pearson many expected Vydra to be just the kind of energetic, pacy forward the Rams have been lacking for a long time.
And to start with, things seemed to be going well. Under Pearson’s favoured 4-4-2 formation, Vydra was seeing a lot of the ball, and had slowly begun to start hitting the target, with many Derby fans feeling the Czech striker needed time to settle.
However, disaster struck for Vydra, when after a poor run of results, Pearson was axed from his position as Derby manager.
But what would the return of Steve McClaren mean for the striker?
The answer? Not much. Favouring a 4-3-3 formation, McClaren opted for tried-and-trusted centre forward Darren Bent up top, who has been in fine form for the Rams since their old manager’s return.
However, this formation does not suit Vydra at all, and the Czech forward has now found himself either on the bench or forced out wide to try and fill Derby’s problem on the left flank.
An unfortunate turn of luck for the striker, but does he still have a part to play at Pride Park?
The answer is yes. With the Rams now experimenting with other formations, due to the fact that many teams find it fairly easy to break down the 4-3-3. Vydra might see himself all of a sudden become a very useful player for the Rams.
Most comfortable playing just off the striker, Vydra may well be able to slot in in a 4-2-3-1 formation, playing centrally off either Bent or new signing David Nugent.
The Czech forward offers threat with a proven goal-scoring record at this level during his time at Watford, and perhaps a change in system might offer Vydra the chance he needs to finally start impressing Derby fans.
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