The Derby County new signing played brilliantly for the Rams on his first start of the season.
The Rams suffered defeat away from home as they were beaten 2-1 against Watford at Vicarage Road in the Championship.
Paul Warne’s side were hoping to replicate what was an impeccable defensive display for his side at Pride Park against Middlesbrough, which saw Derby County earn a clean sheet in their first home game of the league campaign.
However, sitting back against Watford led to issues, and Warne will be aware that his side were exploited after hoping to hang on to their early lead after Ebou Adams’ goal.
Whilst it was a fairly lacklustre performance by the Rams, one player did manage to play up to his usual standards and continued his fine run of form from last season, showing that he will prove to be a crucial cog in Warne’s side this season.
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Derby County midfielder Ebou Adams proved to be crucial for Paul Warne’s side
The early stages of the summer transfer window saw Derby County prioritise a move for former loanee Adams after he showed his talents in a brilliant loan spell in the 2023/24 campaign.
Defensively, he was crucial for Warne’s side in their promotion winning campaign, however his goal scoring ability also showed to be crucial after a goal to open his account away at Vicarage Road.
The Rams midfielder on his first start of the campaign was given an opportunity following the injury of Ben Osborn, and he was able to slot in and fill the shoes of a pivotal part of the side, and has shown that the ability he proved in League One, both offensively and defensively, can be replicated at a higher level.
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Paul Warne faces massive selection headache in midfield
Options in midfield for Warne are certainly in abundance this season, especially after he prioritised signings in the centre-of-the-park this summer.
The likes of Adams and Osborn fighting for a place alongside David Ozoh and Kenzo Goudmijn gave a massive selection headache to Warne in future games, especially after Adams proved his abilities against Watford.
Whilst there is no clarity as of yet on the injury to Osborn, it could lead to Adams tieing down his spot in the side, if the former Sheffield United midfielder is out for a prolonged period.
However, even if the injury is far from serious, the Gambian international has certainly proven to be more than just another option for Warne, and easily should be one of the first names on the team sheet, despite the defeat to Watford.