UPDATED: Derby County have signed Charlton winger Corey Blackett-Taylor. The winger arrives on an initial loan prior to a three year deal starting in summer. What can the 26 year old bring to The Rams? We spoke with Joe Puddifoot from Charlton Live to find out more about the player!
Derby is reportedly interested in signing and have had a bid rejected for Corey Blackett. What do you make of it?
It’s expected, he has played like a player who wants out for a couple of months in my opinion. Promotion is out of the picture now and therefore there’s little value in keeping him to lose in the summer. If he won’t sign a contract we have to cash in on that asset.
Charlton require a huge rebuild and if selling Corey helps pave the way, all the better.
He played 28 times in all competitions (and scored nine goals) for Charlton this season, how important of a player is he to the Addicks?
He is important, but largely because we have made him Plan A, B, C, D, E and F. He is undoubtedly a game changer at this level, but he needs room to operate in. ‘Pass it to Corey’ has become too easy to read for opponents, especially when we’ve been playing a striker on the opposite flank and lacking a dangerous option in the 10 role. Just double up and force him down the wing and you neutralise the threat.
For all the positives he brings, he definitely brings problems. His tracking back is non-existent, and he needs ALOT of chances to make a meaningful difference. If he gets on a run he can often ignore all options other than the shot and he probably has had enough shots to have at least double the goal involvements he has this season. The good news is that he will create a lot of opportunities and when he’s on song, the only thing that can stop him is his own sporadic end product.
Would you consider his time at The Valley a success?
Yes, he is leaving both fitter and a better player. He is a fans favourite and is one of the few signings of our League 1 malaise that you would consider a successful signing.
How big of a loss would he be to Charlton?
A huge loss, but I don’t think he fits the system we are looking to transition to with a back 3, so he would essentially be wasted if he stayed. The only way that works is if you play 3-4-3 and are happy for the front 3 to hang at the top end of the pitch and not track back. Also, if you’re looking to build a promotion team, I don’t think he transitions up to the Championship. At that level, you’ll need to make the most of every chance. If we are looking to build a team with a 3 at the back that can go up to the Championship, I’m not sure he’s the answer for that.
What are his strengths?
Pace, pace, pace. He has to be the fastest player in the league.
What are his weaknesses?
He doesn’t have a trick, and his end product is not where it needs to be. Defensive work rate and application.
What type of winger is he? Is he just a pace merchant? Or is he more of a creative type?
As above, he’s all about pace, but he does like to get shots away and does get crosses in, but he will knock the ball 10 yards and have a sprint off first.
What other elements to his game are there?
As Colin Powell (former CAFC player and groundskeeper) said about Dennis Rommedahl, who when we signed him was the fastest player in world football, it’s not about how quick you are over 100m, it’s how quick you are with a ball that counts. Corey can travel with the ball at high speed and be very direct. It’s a difficult thing to defend against.
Is there anything else Derby supporters should know about the player?
He seems a great lad, but he’s a confidence player. You’ll need to get behind him to get the best out of him.
Do you think Blackett-Taylor can be a good player for Derby in League One?
Yes, if your system plays to his strengths. This review probably reads fairly harshly. He is a very valuable player who you’ll undoubtedly love. But he is a very specific type of player. He is the kind of player that’s a world beater in certain teams and a burden that carries a threat in others. He is absolutely pivotal to Charlton in a 4-3-3 and in a team on the up and with room to break into, he will be a constant threat. I wish him all the best for the future and I hope he proves me wrong in the Championship at some point.
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