Chris Martin can be a key figure for Derby County once again, especially when Tom Ince completes his move to Huddersfield Town.
The 25-year-old has been the subject of interest from the Terriers since the start of the summer transfer window, and the move is expected to go through in the coming days.
The influential winger has scored 38 goals and notched up 17 assists in 115 appearances for the Rams.
Tom Ince joined Derby County from Hull City in July 2015, after a successful loan spell
While a squad overhaul was expected, following the team’s failure in recent years, not many would have foreseen one of their stand-out performers leaving Pride Park this summer.
Opinion is largely divided among Derby supporters over the impending sale of Ince, but one major question being asked is how the team will cope without the influence of the former England U-21 international.
Ince scored 15 goals last season and his departure will leave a void in the goals department. Whether it is a new arrival or a player currently at the club, someone will need to fill that role.
Chris Martin is the player that can do just that. The Scotland international is back at Derby following a controversial loan spell at Fulham last season.
The 28-year-old’s Derby record is impressive. The former Norwich City centre-forward has 63 goals and 29 assists in 163 appearances.
After racking up an impressive 46 goals in his first two full seasons with the Rams, Martin’s form has steadily declined and has failed to score in his last 14 games for Derby.
The goals have become less frequent for Martin since the arrival of Ince. In previous seasons, the centre-forward’s success has come down to being the focal point of the Derby attack.
When Ince departs, the Rams will rely on Martin being the man to provide the goals and assists in equal measure for his teammates, something that he has a proven track record of doing.
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