Did Derby County boss Frank Lampard overpay for Martyn Waghorn?

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Derby County signed Martyn Waghorn from Ipswich Town in the summer.

Derby County striker Martyn Waghorn has barely featured for the Pride Park club this season, begging the question why boss Frank Lampard opted to sign him from Ipswich Town in the summer.

The Rams made Waghorn their most expensive signing of the summer, pipping Middlesbrough to his signature as they snatched him away from the Tractor Boys for a reported fee in the region of £5 million (Sky Sports).

The former Rangers man arrived at Pride Park having netted 16 goals in all competitions for Ipswich last term, but so far, he looks a shadow of the player who often lit up Portman Road under boss Mick McCarthy.

Waghorn has started just four Championship games since making his move to Derby, while in the last five games in all competitions he has featured for just 58 minutes, making several late substitute appearances.

Did Lampard overpay for Waghorn in the summer?

If Waghorn remains a mere squad player, it has to be said that Derby boss Lampard was wrong to spend the bulk of the club’s transfer budget in the summer on a player regularly out of the starting XI.

With David Nugent and Jack Marriott for competition, Derby have options to choose from upfront and in Lampard’s preferred 4-3-3 formation it seems the trio are fighting for just one spot.

Nugent, 33, has generally led the line making eight starts but Marriott was opted to start against Queens park Rangers last time out, finding the net in a 1-1 draw and likely securing his place for the upcoming home fixture against league leaders Sheffield United.

Waghorn can play in a wide role, offering versatility, but the Rams have an abundance of options there too with Tom Lawrence, Mason Bennett, fellow summer signing Florian Jozefzoon and loanee Harry Wilson vying for a first-team place.

After opting to sell Matej Vydra in the summer to Premier League side Burnley, Derby needed to reinforce their attacking options but buying a 28-year-old who arguably doesn’t suit Lampard’s preferred playing style for £5 million wasn’t the smartest move.