Derby County boss Paul Warne has suggested one man who made a significant difference in the 1-1 draw vs Plymouth.
The Rams were held to a 1-1 draw at Pride Park against a Plymouth Argyle side managed by former Derby County boss Wayne Rooney.
Whilst a spectacular finish from Jerry Yates got the side in front in the opening minutes, a Plymouth Argyle goal before half-time brought the game level, and the game was eventually seen out with no further notable action in the second stanza.
Aside from the attacking play, there was plenty of quality on show in the midfield for Paul Warne’s side, including from Ebou Adams, who looked to be on a different level when it came to playmaking.
Adams was joined in the centre-of-the-park by Liam Thompson for Derby County, who only notched his second start of the game, and his performance was also solid, and it was one that Warne certainly took a shine towards.
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Paul Warne praises Liam Thompson after Derby County showing vs Plymouth Argyle
Derby County midfielder Thompson has been somewhat overshadowed in regards to notching game time by the likes of Adams and Kenzo Goudmijn, as well as Ben Osborn. The latter was one of Warne’s key signings this summer, however Thompson easily may have moved ahead of him in the pecking order after Warne’s recent comments.
Speaking to the club, Warne said in regards to Thompson’s performance: “I thought Tommo was very good again.
“There were some really good performances throughout the team. The game-changers came on, but we just didn’t have enough to get that goal.
“But, when I watch the game back, I’ll be really pleased with how, for large parts of it, we really controlled it.”
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Liam Thompson must seize key opportunity to stake first team claim
Derby County’s midfield has been impeachable up until this stage of the 2024/25 Championship season, and after seeing the quantity and quality of signings in the centre-of-the-park in the summer, Thompson may have understood that his game time this campaign will be severely limited.
However, the injury handed to Crystal Palace loanee David Ozoh earlier on in the season appears to have opened up the possibility of game time for Thompson, and these last two showings have proven that he is Championship quality, and it is now his place in the side to lose.
Osborn has been solid and dependable up until this point, however Warne must continue with Thompson in the side as his patience should without a doubt be rewarded.
He has managed just two starts so far, but it should be expected that after Warne’s recent comments, he will continue to show full faith in the 22-year-old midfielder.