The Derby County boss is not afraid to tinker with his side over the international break.
Paul Warne and Derby County have managed to get off to a solid start in the Championship following their promotion from League One.
The Rams currently sit in 10th, and with more signings set to enter the fray for Derby County, there is no sign of them slowing down from their decent start to the campaign.
Deadline Day signing Nat Phillips will be set to make his awaited debut for Derby County in a home clash against Cardiff City, and it is safe to say that Warne will bring the defender straight into the side.
Of course Warne will be handed the predicament of how to slot Phillips into the defence, especially with the solid form of both Eiran Cashin and Curtis Nelson, however the former Rotherham United boss has suggested that a formation change could be in order so that the Liverpool loanee can be introduced into the team.
Paul Warne hints at formation change for Derby County after Nat Phillips arrival
Derby County’s options in the centre of defence looked shaky prior to Deadline Day, however the signing of Phillips certainly rectified that issue.
Concerns over depth in the area were also made worse as a result of the untimely injury sustained by Jake Rooney in pre-season, however he now looks set to return earlier than previously expected.
However, Phillips’ inclusion remains a priority for Warne, and he has already suggested that he will change the formation in order to include him.
Per DerbyshireLive, Warne said: “I think he [Phillips] brings a bit of calm and he will enable me to play three when I want to with two up top. That is what I will do.”
Paul Warne must not disrupt the start to the season with a change of tactics
It is fairly evident that Derby County are a side that prioritise their abilities on the back front, and look to quash any attacking threats coming the way of the opposition.
Whilst a change to a back-three will certainly benefit this style of play, especially away from home where they end up against the cosh more often, this could potentially affect their home performances.
The home 3-0 win against Bristol City showcased Derby County’s attacking abilities, especially from the midfielders Kenzo Goudmijn and David Ozoh.
With three centre-backs, as well as two strikers it is uncertain whether Warne will sacrifice the use of wingers or take away one of the three centre-midfielders, and there is no doubt that the latter could have detrimental effects on Derby County’s abilities going forward.