Paul Warne has been busy in the transfer market this summer after by making eight summer signings but more are still the come
Derby County have six days until the transfer window shuts and it is sure to be a fascinating end to their business.
After signing eight players, Derby are in the market for three further signings to round off what has been a solid window so far. A striker, a midfielder and a defender are top of the list for head coach Paul Warne and they are likely to be Premier League loans.
In what has been a busy summer of arrivals, Ben Osborn was first through the door when he penned a two-year deal following his exit from Sheffield United in what was an excellent capture. That was then swiftly followed by the arrival of Jerry Yates on a season-long loan deal from Swansea City as he secured a Paul Warne reunion having worked under him at Rotherham.
And Kayden Jackson, fresh from helping Ipswich Town into the Premier League, came in soon after having signed a two-year deal after his exit from Portman Road. Midfielders Kenzo Goudmijn, David Ozoh and Ebou Adams were next to arrive before Rohan Luthra also put pen to paper. And finally that was rounded off by the high-profile signature of Jacob Widell Zetterstrom who arrived from Djurgarden last week.
And even though there is more business still to do in the coming week Warne does have plenty of quality already at his fingertips. Here Derbyshire Live looks at how Derby could line up.
3-5-2
This system was Warne’s go-to formation at the back end of last season as the club secured a glorious promotion from League One and while he has yet to play it so far in the Championship, don’t bet against it from making an appearance at some point during the course of the season.
Zetterstrom’s arrival means he is a shoo-in for goalkeeper behind the back three of Eiran Cashin, Curtis Nelson and Sonny Bradley. Wing-back duties would likely fall to Callum Elder or Craig Forsyth on the left and Kane Wilson, Ryan Nyambe and Joe Ward on the right.
The midfield trio would be a blent of energy, tenacity and a little bit of flair in Osborn, Ozoh and Goudmijn with fans favourite Ebou Adams in reserve and Liam Thompson also on the bench. Up front Yates, Jackson, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, Tom Barkhuizen, Conor Washington and James Collins would compete for the front two positions along with youngster Dajaune Brown. But that could all change if Warne lands a striker before the close of play on August 30.
Derby (3-5-2): Zetterstrom (Vickers, Luthra), Wilson (Nyambe, Ward), Nelson (Rooney), Bradley, Cashin, Elder (Forsyth); Osborn, Ozoh, Goudmijn, Thompson; Jackson (Collins, Mendez-Laing, Washington), Yates (Barkhuizen, Brown, Blackett-Taylor).
4-3-3
Warne did use a 4-3-3 last season and that is one formation that he has already employed since the season started with that 4-2 defeat at Blackburn on the opening day.
Bradley would likely be sacrificed from the centre of defence which would mean Cashin and Nelson would be the centre-back pairing after their exceptional season last term.
Nyambe and Forsyth could play as more defensive full-backs but if Warne wanted to be bold he could play the more attack-minded Wilson or Ward on the right with Elder on the left which he has already done.
The midfield three, as is stands right now, would be the same trio as it would be in a 3-5-2 meaning Osborn, Goudmijn and Ozoh would be the best pick.
As we have seen so far, Jackson has played on the right, Mendez-Laing has played down the left and with Yates back from suspension, Warne is about to deploy his strongest front three.
Derby (4-3-3): Zetterstrom (Vickers, Luthra); Wilson (Nyambe, Ward), Nelson (Bradley) Cashin, Elder (Forsyth); Ozoh, Goudmijn, Osborn; Jackson (Barkhuizen); Yates (Collins, Washington, Brown); Mendez-Laing (Blackett-Taylor).
4-2-3-1
Another system that Warne has used on occasion has been the 4-2-3-1 and the use of a double pivot that does give you more protection in front of the back four.
The back four, as with the 4-4-2, is dependent really on what Warne would want from his full-backs as there is a blend of the defensive with Nyambe and Forsyth versus the attacking prowess of Ward, Elder and Wilson.
Who would play in front of the back four is where Warne would face his toughest decision. Ozoh is a shoo-in, but does he then go for Osborn’s energy, technical ability and Championship experience, or Adams’ physicality, athleticism and a love of a tackle?
Goudmijn seems a clear contender for the number 10 role although Warne is looking to add one before the window closes. Mendez-Laing and Jackson would command the flanks and Yates would likely lead the line and supported by Collins, Brown and Washington.
Derby (4-2-3-1): Zetterstrom (Vickers, Luthra); Wilson (Nyambe, Ward), Nelson, Cashin (Bradley), Elder (Forsyth); Osborn, Ozoh (Adams, Thompson); Mendez-Laing, Goudmijn (Barkhuizen), Jackson (Blackett-Taylor); Yates (Collins, Washington and Brown).
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