One Derby County star has been hailed as a new ‘big favourite’ despite defeat to Barnsley.
Derby County were looking to make it six games unbeaten as they travelled to promotion rivals Barnsley yesterday.
The Rams could have gone within four points of leaders Portsmouth and would have given themselves a real chance at winning the title this season, but a victory proved to be too much of an ask.
Paul Warne‘s side did take the lead through Sonny Bradley and they racked up almost double the amount of shots as the hosts, however Adam Phillips’ brace meant that the visitors returned to the Midlands with nothing to show for their efforts.
It was a frustrating afternoon at Oakwell, however one man who continues to receive plaudits from journalists and fans is Ebou Adams.
The midfielder has started all five of Derby’s league fixtures since joining the club on loan from Cardiff City and has regularly been praised for his ‘sensational’ performances, while journalist Leigh Curtis has pinned him as a ‘big favourite’.
Writing in his player ratings for Derbyshire Live, Curtis said: “Some strong challenges, won free-kicks and generally chased anything that ventured into his domain. Big favourite who has made such a difference to the midfield.”
Can Ebou Adams drive Derby County to promotion?
Derby County had only won three of their seven games prior this year prior to Ebou Adams’ debut, while yesterday’s defeat to Barnsley was their first in his presence.
Adams played 89 minutes of the battle in Yorkshire, making 40 touches. The 28-year-old won an impressive eight of their 11 ground duels, made more tackles than any other player (5), made one block and was fouled three times.
The loanee has been exceptional for the Rams since he joined and has also been (tongue in cheek) compared to ‘prime Zidane’.
Adams is going to be vital if Derby are to win automatic promotion or even win the league title, while fans will be desperate to see him move to Pride Park permanently if he continues this form.
He will be entering the final 12 months of his contract in Wales this summer, so perhaps they would consider offloading him permanently.
The Rams already face losing a long list of midfielders at the end of the season, with the likes of Max Bird, Louie Sibley, Liam Thompson, Conor Hourihane and Korey Smith all facing their contract expiries.