Derby County ace George Evans has put his name forward for a permanent centre-back position, the club’s official website report.
Evans joined the Rams from Reading 12 months ago. He came through the academy at Reading predominantly as a midfield player and established himself as a first-team player there.
Many at Derby welcomed him as a potential replacement for Joe Ledley. However, Evans suffered with injuries during the first half of last season, making just one appearance before December.
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The 24-year-old was a peripheral figure during the second half of the campaign but made a surprise entrance at centre-back for the injured Fikayo Tomori in the 2-0 Championship win at Bristol City in April.
Evans was excellent, and now he tells dcfc.co.uk how centre-back could be a permanent option for him.
The manager might like me in that position [at centre-back]. It’s definitely something I like as well and I’m more than happy to do so. I want to make sure I get as many games as possible and at centre-back I feel comfortable. I like how it’s planning out at the moment so I want to keep that going.
Can George Evans be Fikayo Tomori’s replacement?
Fikayo Tomori was a hugely popular figure at Derby, winning the club’s Player of the Year award. His return to parent club Chelsea following his successful loan spells leaves a big void to fill.
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New manager Phillip Cocu, however, has so far opted against signing a new centre-back. Instead, the Dutchman has called upon Evans in pre-season to fill the gap alongside Richard Keogh, and he has impressed.
The former Reading man doesn’t have the speed or strength of Tomori. However, Evans is naturally gifted in possession, and he reads the game well. His attributes could be more than ideal for Cocu’s style of play.