Rams Review blogger Elliott gives his thoughts on Derby County's team for opening match of the season.
Derby County completed their pre season with a good 2-0 win over Notts County on Sunday despite fielding a very youthful team. The youngsters gave a strong account of themselves with Festy Ebosele and Eiran Cashin being the stand out performers for most fans.
All eyes are now on the first league game of the season, however Derby still do not know which players they will have at their disposal as none of the free agents have been signed. Despite this there have been some standout performers throughout pre-season with Phil Jagielka looking assured at the back, Ravel Morrison being solid in both attack and defence and Tom Carroll playing composed fluid football in the middle of the park.
It’s obvious that Derby need all of the free agents signed as soon as possible otherwise the starting team against Huddersfield will be extremely weak. Assuming that the free agents will get signed up and Rooney sticks with a 4-2-3-1 formation here is the lineup I would go ahead with:
In goal Kelle Roos, he made some very strong one on one saves against Real Betis in pre season and hasn’t put a foot wrong so far. With more experience under this belt could be push for the number one spot?
Right back for me is a toss up between Nathan Byrne and Ebosele. I would go with Byrne purely for experience for the first game but Ebosele’s time will come this season.
Centre backs would be Curtis Davies and Jagielka. Not much pace but they probably wouldn’t lose a header and they have bags of experience.
At left back I would go with Craig Forsyth who has had a good pre season at centre-back mainly. However he has delivered some quality balls into the opposition box when playing at left back. Lee Buchanan is also likely to be still injured making this choice a lot easier.
For the two midfielders I would play Carroll and Graeme Shinnie. Carroll topped the charts for the most played forward passes last season which is something Derby desperately need if they are to create more chances. Shinnie is also vital to add much needed grit and energy in the midfield.
The three players behind the striker have been seen to rotate on the majority of pre-season games, operating in a much more fluid approach. Therefore I would play Tom Lawrence as he is captain, Morrison in the 10 and Sone Aluko on the right who has looked positive in most games trying to beat his man and make things happen.
As Derby only have one striker, Colin Kazim-Richards will start upfront.
Overall I have been largely impressed with Derby throughout pre season and there are many positives to take from it despite a depleted squad. If the trialists do or do not sign who would you choose to start?
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