Derby County have overhauled their squad following promotion from League One as they prepare for the Championship.
The Rams are aiming to survive in the second tier in 2024/25, while many supporters snap their hands off to achieve a 21st-place finish come the start of May.
Paul Warne has brought in six new players to his first-team squad at Derby, mainly improving his midfield and attack with the additions of David Ozoh, Ben Osborn, Ebou Adams, Kenzo Goudmijn, Kayden Jackson and Jerry Yates.
But, as the end of August approaches, there are still some key areas where the creases need ironing out, with Warne still needing a first-choice goalkeeper to replace Joe Wildsmith and a proven Championship goalscorer.
The Derby boss is also keen to improve his defence following the injury to Jake Rooney, although he concedes that “there isn’t a player that he thinks is affordable and available that’s better than what they’ve got currently.”
Whilst several key issues need resolving, the competition for places in the starting XI is still strong and there are a few key positions that are up for grabs ahead of their season opener against Blackburn Rovers.
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Three key positions up for grabs ahead of Blackburn Rovers clash
Right back / right wing-back
Whether Warne decides to use a three-at-the-back system or a four-man defence, Derby have strong competition for a place in either system.
In Kane Wilson and Ryan Nyambe, the Rams have two very capable wing-backs at Championship level, with a crucial decision now needing to be made ahead of their clash against Blackburn.
Nyambe was selected on the right in their 2-1 win over Real Valladolid while Wilson was used in the defeats to Chesterfield and Barnsley.
It seems likely that most of the starting XI from Saturday’s victory could play against Rovers, and that could mean Nyambe gets the nod over his compatriot.
Central midfield
Earlier on in the summer, Warne was left with a blank canvas in midfield following the departures of Korey Smith, Conor Hourihane and Max Bird.
The Rams boss has since filled that void with permanent moves for Adams, Goudmijn and Osborn while capturing Ozoh on loan from Crystal Palace.
In pre-season, Warne has used the fixtures as an opportunity to discover his best midfield three and each of those signings have featured regularly.
For instance, in the defeat to Barnsley, Adams partnered Ozoh in the middle with Goudmijn playing just behind Yates and Jackson, while in their most recent match, Ozoh, Goudmijn and Osborn formed a trio.
It’s given Warne a mini headache with his selection ahead of Friday’s clash, and it will be interesting to see who he starts.
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Strikers
Derby’s biggest problem in 2024/25 could be scoring goals, with new signings Yates and Jackson not boasting the best records in that regard.
That is a similar narrative attributed to the likes of James Collins and Conor Washington as the pair have often struggled to find the net at Championship level.
In an ideal world, Warne would sign a new striker before Friday’s match however, it seems likely that in a 3-4-1-2 formation, he’ll start two of Mendez-Laing, Jackson and Collins with Washington ready from the bench.
Investing in a clinical centre forward could make all the difference in their survival push but for now, Derby will need to settle for what they’ve got.