One key Paul Warne issue has become prevalent following the poor form of one Derby County star.
Derby County have endured a very positive start to the 2024/25 Championship campaign, with them particularly showing their powers at Pride Park.
The Rams in particular have been immense in the centre-of-the-park, with new arrivals Kenzo Goudmijn, David Ozoh, Ben Osborn and Ebou Adams settling in brilliantly to life in Derbyshire, and have already helped in getting extra points on the board at this early stage.
Defensively, the Rams have also been solid, with Eiran Cashin and Curtis Nelson proving to be a dependable duo at the back.
However, there are still issues in the attacking front for Paul Warne’s side, and one prominent figure in the side has sparked a key issue in the side after his poor start to the season.
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Jerry Yates’ Derby County form sparks clear squad depth issue
Derby County in front of goal have been very reliant on their midfield, with Goudmijn notching two goals in successive home wins against Bristol City and Cardiff City, whilst Kayden Jackson has also been a solid source of goals with three.
Jackson was brought in with a promise of goals, alongside striker Jerry Yates, who was signed in a loan deal from Swansea City.
However, the new striker is yet to hit the ground running after not bagging a single goal in his seven games so far this campaign, and in most situations, Warne may look to drop the out-of-form new signing.
However, there is a clear issue with depth in the striker position, particularly now due to Yates’ poor form, and whilst the likes of James Collins isn’t a bad option as a back-up, it would likely spell trouble for Derby County if they depended upon him as their main goal output up top.
Paul Warne must focus on reigniting Jerry Yates’ goalscoring form
It was clearly a difficult season for Yates in the 2023/24 Championship campaign with Swansea City after bagging eight in 43 games.
The hangover from the season has clearly spilled over into the new campaign, and Warne must ensure that he helps get the striker back into goal scoring form.
Yates was certainly more prolific in the 2022/23 campaign with a struggling Blackpool side, and that has proven that he has the abilities to perform for a side, despite being up against the cosh with a side that went in to suffer relegation, and if Warne can help him refind his feet, he will by no means prove to be a solid asset for his side this campaign.