Derby County have always had a habit of developing players through their academy or poaching them from local clubs.
The Rams have watched current stars Eiran Cashin and Liam Thompson rise through the academy ranks and towards first-team stardom while striker Dajaune Brown is another.
Brown, aged 18, is one of Derby’s most promising youngsters, as demonstrated by Paul Warne choosing to keep him in the first team instead of loaning him out.
Last season, Brown went on loan to Gateshead from January onwards and flourished in the National League with six goals and four assists in 18 appearances.
Following his successful spell at Gateshead, Derby have seen it as an opportunity to send another one of their youngsters on loan and he’s already making an impression.
Derby youngster Ben Radcliffe stars for Gateshead vs Boston
Ben Radcliffe was sent on loan to Gateshead at the start of September and he’s already making a name for himself at his new club.
On Tuesday night, Radcliffe was named Man of the Match after scoring in their 2-0 win over Boston United in the National League.
This was only the youngster’s second start since joining from the Rams but if he can go on to achieve what Brown did at Gateshead, he’ll steal the hearts of supporters.
So, with that said, let’s take a deeper dive into Ben Radcliffe’s career so far…
- READ MORE: Non-league journalist delivers Ben Radcliffe verdict after Derby County loanee’s Gateshead debut
Ben Radcliffe age and height
Ben Radcliffe was born on September 15, 2003. At the time of writing, this makes the upcoming star 21 years old.
What is his nationality?
Radcliffe is a local lad, who was born in Derbyshire.
What position does Ben Radcliffe play?
Radcliffe is a versatile player, who can operate as a ball-playing centre-back or as a defensive midfielder. However, he’s mainly been used as a central defender in the early stages of his career.
When did Ben Radcliffe join Derby County?
Radcliffe joined Derby’s under-21s from Burton Albion in the summer of 2023. Previously with the Rams as a schoolboy, the young defender made the move into senior football with the Brewers after linking up with their youth set-up.
Ben Radcliffe facts
Ahead of his return to Derby in 2023, Radcliffe spent time on loan at non-league side Mickleover FC to gain experience in the 2021/22 season.
He then continued his football education while at National League North side Banbury United in the 2022/23 campaign, with the youngster appearing 43 times in the league across the season.
Following a successful loan in the sixth tier of English football, Radcliffe made his senior bow in professional football, coming off the bench for Burton in their 1-0 over Cambridge United in May 2023.
After completing his move to Pride Park in that year, he featured for Derby’s first team on a number of occasions ahead of the 2023/24 but a long-term hamstring injury limited him to just seven appearances in Premier League 2.
Much like Dajaune Brown – who starred as a striker for Gateshead last season – Radcliffe has since completed the same move till January 2025.
In a recent match against Boston United, Radcliffe won the Man of the Match Award after scoring in a 2-0 win, with the supporters seemingly taking a shine to the Derby youngster.
What has been said about Ben Radcliffe?
Gateshead manager Rob Elliot has been impressed by the Derby loanee as he settles into life at his new temporary home.
Speaking after making his first start in a home defeat against Forest Green Rovers, Elliot raved about Radcliffe’s performance, he told The Echo: “He was absolutely fantastic. He’s a powerful lad and a really confident boy.
“He’s come in and done really well in difficult circumstances. He came on against Barnet and won headers. At Dagenham, he came on in a really difficult position but did well for the team and then I think the big thing for me is his mentality to keep going and keep going, his mentality and his defensive work. He’s a threat in both boxes and he’s going to have a good future ahead of him.
“He missed a lot of football last season for one reason or another but I think he’s been a real find. We are really pleased with him.”