Gary Rowett has hinted that Bradley Johnson’s future role in his Derby County side will be a more attacking one.
QPR’s Conor Washington in action with Derby County’s Bradley Johnson
Speaking after his side’s 1-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers on Friday, Rowett was quick to heap praise on “star man” Johnson but believes he has not been playing in his strongest position.
Since arriving at Pride Park, Rowett has deployed Johnson in a more defensive role in a central midfield two. This has given licence for his midfield partner Craig Bryson to push further forward. Despite it not being Johnson’s favoured role, the former Norwich City and Leeds United man has impressed in Rowett’s first two games in charge.
“Jonno gave us that defensive power in the way he screened their striker, Matt Smith, but I think long term he (Johnson) is better one step further forward marauding and getting into the box,” Rowett told the Derby Telegraph.
“But I thought it was a really strong performance by him and personally he would have been my man of the match. I thought he was really good.”
These comments would indicate that Johnson will feature heavily in Rowett’s plans and could benefit from his appointment after a tough start to his career at Pride Park.
Bradley Johnson has scored two goals for the Rams this season
The 29-year-old has been playing in a more defensive role this season and his presence in front of the back four has made the team look a more solid unit from open play.
However, when signed from Norwich in 2015, he came with a reputation of being a goal scoring midfield as his 15 goals from midfield helped secure the Canaries promotion to the Premier League. He has been unable to replicate this form in a Derby shirt after scoring only seven goals in 64 appearances.
It seems that Rowett has not forgotten Johnson’s past goalscoring exploits and will be looking to finally getting him score on a regular basis for Derby.
Derby County manager Gary Rowett has big plans for Johnson in his team
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