How players rate through difficult start to season
DERBY County’s position in the Championship table and their points tally is not a true reflection of how the team has fared this season.
The Rams remain bottom after having 21 points deducted in total and are in real danger of relegation to League One.
Chief football writer Steve Nicholson gives player ratings for those players who have made four or more starts this season.
■■Kelle Roos 6.5
First-choice keeper at the start of the season until a red card in the defeat by Sheffield United at Bramall Lane opened the door for Ryan Allsop. However, a bout of illness ruled out Allsop after a run of four starts and Roos returned. He has had a steady start to the campaign and it is a good battle between him and Allsop.
■■Ryan Allsop 6.5
The summer signing looked shaky at times in starts against Salford City and Sheffield United in the Carabao Cup, but he looked assured in his four League starts when he stepped in for Roos. He was at fault for Luton Town’s late equaliser in the 2-2 draw at Pride Park Stadium.
■■Nathan Byrne 6
His form has been up and down and he has picked up too many yellow cards. His red card for two bookable offences against Millwall meant he missed the win against Bournemouth.
■■Phil Jagielka 7.5
It is easy to see why Wayne Rooney was so keen to sign his former Everton and England team-mate. Jagielka’s experience, defensive knowhow and reading of the game have been clear to see. The 39-year-old and his 35-year-old centre-back partner Curtis Davies have been key cogs in the team.
■■Curtis Davies 7.5
He has formed a key centre-back pairing with Jagielka. Davies has been ever-present in the League, displaying a desire to defend the box as well as experience in helping others around him.
■■Richard Stearman 6
Jagielka’s arrival has seen Stearman drop to the bench, but he has been a reliable figure in his four League starts.
■■Craig Forsyth 6
The left-back was displayng real consistency in his peformances and headed the only goal of the game in
the home victory over Reading, but illness forced him to miss three games and he struggled when he returned.
■■Lee Buchanan 6
A mixed bag of performances from the 20-year-old left-back, which is not unusual for a young defender. Pushing forward to supplement attacks remains the stronger part of his game and he will be missed in his current injury layoff.
■■Max Bird 7.5
A strong candidate for Derby’s player of the season so far. The midfielder is looking more assured, more confident physically and mentally. He has always been comfortable in possession but he has added more purpose to his passing, especially forward and between the lines. Wayne Rooney has bags of faith in the 21-year-old and the player is repaying that faith.
■■Graeme Shinnie 7
The Scot has been a key figure offering tenacity and drive in midfield, as well as quality. The work ethic and resilience of the Derby team has been a major plus and Shinnie has been one of the leaders with his tireless endeavour. Rooney has described Shinnie as a “big player” for Derby.
■■Jason Knight 6
Missed the start of the season having picked up an injury in pre-season. He had to play catch-up with his fitness but is beginning to find a groove. He can fill a number of roles, although that can go against him at times, and his energy and purpose are a plus. Can he now add more assists and goals to his game?
■■Louie Sibley 5.5
The 20-year-old started the season in the team but is more often out of the starting 11 recently. His goal and performance in the Carabao Cup tie against Sheffield United showed the impact he can have as an attacking midfielder but finding that consistency and nailing down a position has not happened in the last couple of months.
■■Ravel Morrison 6
His ability on the ball, his confidence in possession and his vision in looking to make things happen are all clear to see. Can he add more assists and goals to his game? He certainly possesses the talent. There are times when he operates too deep, although Rooney said Morrison has been asked to play different roles depending on each game.
■■Kamil Jozwiak 4
The Poland international winger has struggled to make an impact. There have been flashes of his ability, but not enough consistency in his performances. Fans enjoyed his hard-working, lively display in the draw with Luton Town but he was replaced early in the next two. At 23, he is still a young player with time on his side.
■■Tom Lawrence 6.5
The skipper has shown character and maturity in the way he has filled a number of positions for the team, including that as a false number nine. He looks to have taken confidence from being handed the captain’s armband and appears to be relishing the responsibility.
■■Sam Baldock 6
He has had a stop-start time since joining the Rams as a free agent. The striker suffered a broken nose against Preston North End and has a niggling hamstring problem. His longest run of starts is five.
■■Colin Kazim-Richards 5.5
The striker suffered an Achilles injury in only the second League game of the season and was out for two months. He has been feeling his way back, understandably, and we know he can offer a focal point to Derby’s attack.
■■Festy Ebosele 6
The 19-year-old has played at right-back for much of his time with the Rams but Rooney sees the youngster playing higher up the pitch, where his pace and power can give opponents problems. He is raw and is learning the game.