Derby County are less than a week from kicking-off their Championship season.
Paul Warne’s pre-season is coming to a close, with an away clash at Blackburn Rovers emerging.
Several signings have been made that have strengthened their ranks, in particular in the midfield.
The arrival of Ben Osborn in particular will likely improve Derby County’s midfield on the defensive side, as will the return of Ebou Adams, who the Rams captured the permanent signing of from Cardiff City.
Attacking options are certainly improved as a result of the arrivals of Kayden Jackson and Jerry Yates, both of whom have experience at Championship level and will likely provide a necessary goal threat at this level.
Despite these options bolstering Derby County’s talent and squad depth, there are still some creases for Warne to iron out this month, with five things in particular standing out on what needs to be done this August.
Bring in a winger due to injuries
Derby County are set to be without wingers Corey Blackett-Taylor and Joe Ward for their opening Championship clash as a result of injuries for the attacking pair.
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing will likely be utilised on the right as a result, however there is very little depth as a result in the position, although Tom Barkhuizen may be called into action to switch wing, as could new signing and utility man Kenzo Goudmijn.
Warne must not let this issue linger, nor should it be repeated, and extra recruits in this area will prevent it happening again.
Keep eyes peeled on Premier League loan market
The signing of midfielder David Ozoh has already proven to be a brilliant piece of business for Warne’s side following his solid performance in a pre-season friendly against Shrewsbury Town.
As the summer transfer window dwindles to its conclusion, Premier League loan options will begin to open up, something that could be crucial for Warne when plugging gaps in his squad and improving squad depth, particularly in attack where he has emphasised the need for surplus recruits in this position.
Complete a deal for Jacob Widell Zetterstrom
Derby County’s one-and-only senior goalkeeper option remains to be Josh Vickers, something that must be corrected sooner rather than later.
Shot-stopper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom has reportedly had a medical at Pride Park ahead of a move to Derby County, however it looks like he will leave ‘no later than August 29’ after Djurgardens director Bosse Andersson suggested that he will be staying at the Swedish side until they have played their European matches.
Whilst also ensuring that the deal for Zetterstrom gets over the line, a second goalkeeper could be signed in the meantime, which will provide the necessary depth and competition in-between the sticks.
- READ MORE: When Derby County can expect to sign Jacob Widell Zetterstrom after already completing medical
Solve defensive issues from pre-season
Derby County conceded a total of 11 goals in their final four pre-season matches, highlighting a potential weak-point in Warne’s squad ahead of the new season.
The Rams boss has made it clear that signings at centre-back will only be made if they find someone who is ‘affordable and available that’s better than what they’ve got currently’, stating that there is currently no availability in this field.
Premier League loans could be crucial in this position, and yet again a cheap alternative for Warne plugging the defensive gaps.
Capitalise on favourable start to Championship season
Derby County’s start to the season involves away trips to Blackburn Rovers and Watford, whilst Middlesbrough and Bristol City visit Pride Park in August, something that is arguably a favourable start to the season.
The four side’s 2023/24 Championship finishes gives Derby County’s opening opponents an average finishing position of 13.25/24, and it is made even easier with the likes of Watford potentially losing key players Ismaila Sarr and Yaser Asprilla.
Derby County will have to make their start to the season count, something that could give them a platform to push on this season.