Derby County have silenced the doubters on their return to the Championship.
The Rams fell to defeat in their opening fixture, but put on a very promising display against Blackburn Rovers – racking up 53% possession and 12 shots.
Derby County then went onto cause an upset at the weekend, claiming a narrow win over Middlesbrough – despite only having three shots and 29% possession.
The victory over Boro came as a surprise to many, with one player at the heart of a brilliant performance – despite being dominated by the visitors.
Ben Osborn made his long-awaited return to Pride Park in the Championship, having made a cameo appearance in the Carabao Cup midweek.
Ben Osborn was ‘immense’ v Middlesbrough
The 30-year-old’s quality was so glaringly obvious as he dictated the play in the middle of the park, having 33 touches and one shot, as well as winning 83% of his duels and making one clearance and four tackles.
Middlesbrough looked to be all over Derby for most of the game, but Osborn knew exactly how to cut out the play in the midfield and prevented them from making progressive passes.
The former academy star took the Rams’ play to another level in comparison to what they were used to in League One, with his experience in the Championship proving to be key.
Osborn was highly praised after the game, with Derbyshire Live gifting him an eight rating, writing: “Fired up and down the pitch, tried to nick possession, tried to get involved in attacks and basically ran himself into the ground trying to help Derby wherever he could. Immense.”
Osborn’s quality shows exactly what Derby County need
Promoted clubs are always urged to bring in plenty of Championship experience to their squad, otherwise they could struggle to avoid immediate relegation.
A number of their new signings have played in the second division before, including Kayden Jackson, Jerry Yates and Ebou Adams.
However, Osborn has made over 260 appearances in the Championship and his performance at the weekend showed exactly what difference that kind of experience can make.
If Derby are to pick up further transfer business before next week’s deadline – which Paul Warne has suggested will happen – then they should look to bring in additions who have played in the Championship on a regular basis.
If they can recruit players like Osborn in various positions, then it will really help them raise the bar and have a better understanding of what it takes to avoid relegation.
A nice combination of Premier League and European talents, as well as the leaders of the Championship, would put Derby in a very promising position.