Derby County manager Phillip Cocu must move Jayden Bogle back to right-back or drop him altogether following another disappointing display at Blackburn Rovers.
The Rams extended their winless run on the road as they crashed to a 1-0 defeat at Ewood Park. It was their fifth straight away defeat without scoring a goal.
Phillip Cocu opted to play a wingback formation. It was the same system used in the early stages against Queens Park Rangers, with Bogle moving to right wingback.
The 19-year-old has an abundance of potential. Last season, he posted two goals and eight assists – proving more effective than any other Championship teenager.
But over the past two games, Bogle has shown he isn’t a natural winger.
MORE DERBY STORIES
Jayden Bogle struggles to make an impact:
The Derby academy product appeared lost from a positional sense. And, on the ball, he seemed to struggle when tasked with receiving the ball in-front of the opposing fullback.
Bogle’s success from right-back comes where he either receives the ball on the front foot, or on the overlap. A winger’s job, however, is much different to that of an attacking fullback.
Against Blackburn, Bogle took just 41 touches which was Derby’s second lowest. Moreover, he failed to post a single successful take-ons or key pass.
Bogle shows nothing of the form which saw Brighton and Hove Albion reportedly willing to pay £10 million for him last summer. On the wing, his talent is being wasted.
Manager Phillip Cocu has a decision to make.
He must either put Bogle back at right-back, replacing Andre Wisdom who has been one of Derby’s better players over the past two games. Or, he drops Bogle altogether.
Unfortunately for Cocu, his choices at right wing are limited. Martyn Waghorn, Duane Holmes and Florian Jozefzoon have all proven ineffective while playing there.
Fellow academy player Morgan Whittaker is a natural winger, but he still looks raw. Oh what Derby would give to have last season’s top scorer Harry Wilson (18 goals) back now.
Also see: ‘Clown; Awful’: Some Derby fans hammer player after Blackburn defeat
Also see: Derby to miss out as reported target sets sights on signing deal with Championship rivals