Derby County goalkeeper Kelle Roos could be given a way back into the starting eleven following the recent defeat at Queens Park Rangers.
The 27-year-old started the campaign as the club’s number one.
A string of errors, however, prompted manager Philip Cocu to take him out of the firing line and replace him with on-loan goalkeeper Ben Hamer.
Hamer has since made the number one spot his own. His only absence has come in FA Cup games or when Derby faced his parent club Huddersfield two weeks ago.
But Hamer’s latest display against QPR may hand Roos another chance.
There is no doubt Hamer has betting handling and aerial command than Roos. However, Roos is better at distribution and playing the ball out under pressure.
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Hamer’s shot-stopping ability has seemingly helped him retain his place. But, with QPR’s Ilias Chair beating him all too easily on Tuesday, questions have begun.
If Hamer was brought in to cover Roos’s flaws but is no longer performing better in that area – is there any reason to stick with him as he isn’t a long-term Derby player?
It’s a fair question. Roos, at 27 and with a contract until 2022, is a long-term option.
Derby have improved of late. However, the Rams still struggle to play out from the back. A failure to beat a high press often leads to scoring chances against them.
QPR benefited from this. And they aren’t the first team to have done so.
Bringing Roos back after a spell out the first team may see a greater improvement in general team performance and it’s a risk Phillip Cocu should consider.
Also see: ‘I will get better’: Derby ace promises improvement with more playing time
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