Patrick Vieira has had a lot to say in the past about a talented player who is very close to sealing a move to Derby County.
Derby supporters can be very pleased with how proactive their side has been in the transfer market.
The Rams have completed five new signings, capturing Ben Osborn and Kayden Jackson for free, Jerry Yates on loan while paying fees for Kenzo Goudmijn and Ebou Adams.
Paul Warne has mainly targeted midfielders in this transfer window, while that trend is on the verge of continuing as highly-rated Crystal Palace gem David Ozoh is close to joining on loan.
Ozoh, 19, is a midfielder who has already been handed senior appearances in the Premier League for Palace, catching the eye of many with his performance against Manchester City at the Etihad, as the Eagles battled back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2.
The talented teenager is destined for a bright future and a loan to the Championship is perfect for his development, with Patrick Vieira previously waxing lyrical over the Valencia-born star.
Patrick Vieira describes David Ozoh as ‘gifted’
Vieira was manager of Crystal Palace from July 2021 to March 2023. His sacking was deemed unfortunate by many as the Frenchman did a respectable job in South London.
One of the final acts of his tenure was handing Ozoh his Premier League debut, with the 2005-born sensation coming off the bench in a goalless draw against Newcastle in January 2023.
Ozoh was 17 when he was thrown into the deep end but Vieira felt he could compete at the highest level, and that was why he earned his chance.
Speaking to the South London Press after that game, the former Palace boss said: “He can play. When he gets the ball on the field, he remains calm and makes some really good decisions in possession.
“Of course, physically, he is gifted and can compete at this level.
“Now it’s important to keep working with him and help him develop in the right way.”
David Ozoh and Ebou Adams is a mouth-watering partnership
Ozoh is on the verge of joining on a season-long loan, and that will be music to the ears of supporters, as the energetic midfielder can form a strong partnership with Adams.
Warne has previously said he needed to add significant athleticism and stamina to his squad ahead of the Championship. In Adams and Ozoh, the pair possess an abundance of energy and exceptional ball-carrying; two traits that can see the Rams make quick transitions from defence to attack.
That will be needed against the bigger sides who are chasing promotion, as Warne will want players to help relieve the pressure that is piled onto them.
From having the ageing Conor Hourihane and Korey Smith to choose from, the Derby boss now has a midfield contingent that has incredible tenacity, athleticism and creativity, with the signing of Ozoh only adding to that.