Morgan Whittaker’s introduction into Derby County’s first-team set-up could spell the end for teammate Florian Jozefzoon’s prospects at Pride Park.
Whittaker came off the bench in the 1-1 draw with Queens Park Rangers last weekend. Supporters were impressed with his cameo, praising his movement.
The 18-year-old starred for the Derby youth sides. He helped the U18s win the Premier League Cup last season, prompting an entry into Europe this season for the U19s.
(Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images).
Whittaker has now begun training with Derby’s first team. And his appearances against QPR and Fulham followed on from his Championship debut at Hull City last month.
The winger offers plenty of excitement around Pride Park. However, the same can’t be said of Florian Jozefzoon whose Derby career now must be in doubt.
What has happened to Derby County’s Florian Jozefzoon?
The Dutchman joined the Rams in 2018 for a £2.75 million fee. He was one of Frank Lampard’s permanent signings that summer alongside Jack Marriott and Scott Malone.
Supporters were happy with the acquisition. Jozefzoon had proven to be a decent player at Brentford, posting seven goals and seven assists in 31 league games in 2017/18.
But the 28-year-old struggled to get going at Derby. He was often left out of the starting XI, with Lampard favouring the likes if Harry Wilson, Tom Lawrence and Mason Bennett.
Jozefzoon made just 13 Championship starts last season.
Many hoped Phillip Cocu’s arrival in the summer would reignite the player. Afterall, Jozefzoon was in PSV Eindhoven’s title-winning squad during Cocu’s reign there.
But it just hasn’t clicked for the winger. Jozefzoon has made just six starts so far. His last appearance came in the 3-0 defeat at Charlton Athletic back in October.
(Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images).
With Whittaker now pushing ahead, Jozefzoon is quickly becoming a forgotten man.
And to make matters worse, Cocu suggested to reporters on Thursday that one or two players could end up leaving in January to make way for new signings.
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