Derby County midfielder George Evans admits to RamsTV how he has had a frustrating time since joining the club as injuries have limited his first team appearances.
Evans joined Derby from Reading in the summer of 2018. He was one of Frank Lampard’s first permanent signings, but he made just six starts last season.
The 24-year-old struggled with a quad injury. Getting back into the team after was difficult as Bradley Johnson nailed down the regular holding midfield spot.
Evans started to become a regular this season under Phillip Cocu. However, another injury kept him side-lined, adding to the frustration since arriving at Pride Park.
Similar to last year, I felt like I just started to get going and then I picked up another injury. Since I’ve been here, I’ve been very frustrated. It’s been very stop-start and it’s not good. Hopefully it’s all behind me now and I can kick on.
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What can George Evans offer Derby County?
Evans hasn’t made a Championship start this season since August.
He came back to feature against Middlesbrough, while Matt Clarke’s injury against Nottingham Forest saw him play 75 minutes during Derby’s 1-0 defeat at the City Ground.
Clarke is still out with a knee injury. It means Krystian Bielik is likely to drop into defence against Preston, opening up a slot for Evans in midfield.
Many supporters, however, feel Evans is arguably better suited in defence. He lacks the physical attributes of Bielik in midfield, while in possession he prefers the safer option. The Rams no doubt missed that drive from midfield against Forest as Bielik dropped into defence.
Evans has the attributes to be a central defender. He is tall, safe on the ball and he reads the game well. Moreover, it’s a position Derby lack numbers in.
Also see: Derby boss suggests when Sibley and Knight will become first-team regulars
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