New Derby County arrival David Ozoh has been compared to one player after his loan arrival from Crystal Palace.
Derby County have made five signings so far ahead of the 2024/25 Championship season, with Paul Warne looking to build on his side’s automatic promotion from League One in the 2023/24 campaign.
Midfield signings have been prioritised by Rams boss Warne ahead of the new campaign with the likes of Ebou Adams, Kenzo Goudmijn and Ben Osborn coming through the doors at Pride Park.
Derby County had to deal with many departures, such as Louie Sibley, Conor Hourihane and Korey Smith, however they have done incredibly well to replace the players who helped the Rams achieve promotion back to the Championship.
New midfield signing David Ozoh has also arrived on loan from Crystal Palace this summer, with Warne giving the young midfielder plenty of praise after his arrival.
- READ MORE: Shrewsbury v Derby County pre-season friendly: Kick-off time, live stream and team news details
Paul Warne compares David Ozoh to Derby County signing Ebou Adams
Warne has shown plenty of admiration towards new arrival Ozoh, comparing him to new Derby County arrival Adams.
Per Derby Telegraph, Paul Warne said: “I watched him [David Ozoh] play a few times for the under-21s.
“He keeps the ball moving and he is a really athletic and tenacious player. He breaks play up and gets us on attacks quick.
“He is a similar type of player to Ebou [Adams].
“He played as a sub in Crystal Palace’s first team last season so anybody who has played in the Premier League needs to be respected.
“He’s a really humble, down to earth kid who is going to use this loan to develop as a man and as a player.
“I spoke to him and his agent. I’ve had one of the agent’s players before and I had a good relationship with him. He knows everything that I was saying was true about how we treat people and that was a big part of him choosing us.”
Will David Ozoh be able to provide an immediate impact at Derby County
Derby County arrival David Ozoh has tallied 10 Premier League appearances in his career for Crystal Palace, despite just being 19-years-old.
However, he is yet to have a taste of EFL football after mostly applying his trade in the Premier League 2 with Crystal Palace’s U21s.
With it being the defensive-midfielder’s first loan move, there will be uncertainty as to whether he can make a significant impact playing regularly at a high level, in comparison to the few substitute appearances he has had at Crystal Palace.
Providing that Paul Warne, as well as Ben Osborn who could act in a role model position for the youngster, focuses on getting Ozoh technically ready for the Championship, he could be an immense force in the centre of the park for Derby County this season.
Derby County have identified a gem in Ozoh, and with his ‘athletic’ and physical ability, he could play a crucial part in Warne’s plans.