Derby County secured their first three points on the Championship campaign on Saturday as they beat Middlesbrough in a tough encounter at Pride Park.
The Rams took the lead early in the match as Kayden Jackson’s pace allowed him to benefit from Isaiah Jones’ loose backpass, rounding the goalkeeper to slot into an empty net.
It was a tense remainder of the match at Pride Park as wave after wave of Boro attacks forced Derby to defend deep.
Paul Warne’s side stayed compact and made it tough for the visitors to find too many opportunities to score.
In the end, the home side held on to rapturous celebrations from the supporters, adding three important points to the board.
There was, however, one clear issue that needs to be addressed in the transfer market.
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Derby County must sign another striker
Derby’s performance against Middlesbrough proved that they need another striker, but one of a different profile to the players they already have.
In the second half, the Rams were forced to defend deeper and deeper and as quickly as the ball was cleared, it would return.
James Collins isn’t quite that target man type of striker, despite his ability to knit the game together neatly and press intently from the front.
Jerry Yates appears to be a player of a similar mould, able to be neat and tidy in possession while adding a threat in the box.
However, it’s that target man option that is lacking, the striker who can pick a ball from the sky and either bring his teammates further up the pitch or win a free-kick or throw-in for some respite.
It’s much less about the scoring side of the game, though that is always useful, but more about managing games where Derby will be under pressure.
The clash against Boro proved that teams have plenty of quality in this division, but it’s all about taking control of the tie and winning those small moments which bring a result closer to the end.
The Rams will be under plenty of pressure throughout the season, but certainly can’t afford to be under it as much as they were on Saturday.
Derby County striker options
Signing a target man would also help with the players available to Warne in the forward areas this season.
With the pace of Jackson, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and Corey Blackett-Taylor, having a forward who will create space for them to run in will be extremely useful.
As mentioned before, Collins can do some of this, his ability to play in front of the backline and his tireless effort has been key so far.
However, having a traditional “big man” upfront may just unlock the rest of the forward line along with that control out of possession.