HITC Sport have been taking a look at Derby County’s best possible starting XI if all the squad were available for selection. But have we got it right?
After a recent 3-3 draw with Championship strugglers Bristol City, Derby County fans were left scratching their heads as to how their team could have gone 3-0 down in the first half.
Playing what looked initially like the Rams strongest available side, Derby fans were shocked to see their team perform so poorly in the first 45. However, a spirited fightback in the second half earned the Rams a point and now leaves them five points off the play-offs.
HITC Sport has been taking a look at Derby County’s squad, and has put together what we think the Rams’ best starting XI is. But have we got it right? Here is a look at the side we chose…
Scott Carson
The Derby County goalkeeper has been one of the stand-out performers for the Rams this season, and is arguably playing some of the best football of his career. Carson’s consistency, shot-stopping and greatly improved distribution has been one of the highlights of McClaren’s second tenure in charge.
Derby County’s Scott Carson
Cyrus Christie
Suffering from a bad injury this season, Christie’s spot at right-back has been filled by veteran Chris Baird for most of McClaren’s tenure, with the Northern Irishman doing a fine job. However, Christie’s pace and attacking prowess arguably makes him the best right-back at the club.
Richard Keogh
Recently making his 500th club appearance, Richard Keogh is normally the first name on the team-sheet for Derby County. The Captain, who has kept his place in the side under Clough, McClaren, Clement, Wassall, Pearson and now McClaren again, has been one of Derby County’s best players this season.
Derby’s Richard Keogh
Alex Pearce
Coming in for the injured Jason Shackell, Alex Pearce has made the left-sided centre-half position his own in recent weeks, and has become somewhat of a fan favourite among the Rams faithful. Big, strong and good in the air, Alex Pearce’s game compliments Keogh perfectly.
Max Lowe
After Craig Forsyth’s injury, youngster Max Lowe had to step up this season, competing with Swedish defender Marcus Olsson. However, the youngster looks like becoming the latest Derby County academy graduate to take the Rams by storm, with the player looking like having a big future ahead of him.
George Thorne
The defensive midfielder’s time with the Rams has been plagued with injuries, but on his day, George Thorne is arguably one of the best midfielders in the Championship. Strong, smart, hard in the tackle and equipped with an incredible passing range, Derby County fans cannot wait for Thorne to get back to full fitness.
Derby’s George Thorne
Will Hughes
Derby County’s midfield maestro, Will Hughes is one of the big stars of this team. Able to create goals as well as score them, Will Hughes really makes this Rams team tick, with Derby often looking noticeably poorer without him in the side.
Jacob Butterfield
Competing with Craig Bryson and Bradley Johnson for this position, Jacob Butterfield get’s the HITC Sport nod due to his ability to unlock defences with a pinpoint pass. Despite scoring some great goals for the Rams last season, Butterfield has struggled to hit the target this season, but if he can add goals back to his game under McClaren, the midfielder could have fans on the edges of their seats once again.
Derby’s Jacob Butterfield in action
Tom Ince
The man who has really lifted the Rams this season, Tom Ince is one of the first names on the team shirt. As Derby’s top scorer, McClaren has relied heavily on Ince’s improved form since his return to the club, as the former Blackpool and Hull City midfielder stands out as one of the best players, if not the best, in the team.
Darren Bent
After Chris Martin was sent on loan for the season to Fulham by former boss Nigel Pearson, Darren Bent has had to step up and do the central striker role for Derby this season, and what a fine job he’s done. Now holding down his place ahead of David Nugent and record-signing Matej Vydra, Darren Bent is rolling back the years under the boss who brought him to the club on loan two years ago.
Johnny Russell
The Scottish forward will probably be the first to admit he hasn’t had the best of seasons this year, but Russell just keeps his place ahead of Derby’s other wingers such as Ikechi Anya, Abdoul Camara and Nick Blackman. Needing to start scoring some goals, this position is arguably the most contested in this Derby side.
Derby’s Johnny Russell celebrates
So what do you think Derby County fans? Did we get the team selection right? Who would you change? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
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