Paul Warne will have some creases to iron out over the first international break of the season.
Derby County have started their 2024/25 Championship campaign in decent fashion, going into the international break with two wins in their first four, both of which coming at Pride Park.
The Rams have managed to make Pride Park a fortress, with Paul Warne’s side being very difficult to beat at home, however it certainly is a different story when Derby County are on their travels, with them losing successive away games against Blackburn Rovers and Watford.
Derby County’s new signings could easily be credited for what has been a positive start to the season, including the midfield pairing of Kenzo Goudmijn and David Ozoh, who both scored in the recent victory at home against Bristol City.
However, there are still some issues that Warne must look to resolve over the break in order for his side to continue their decent start to the season.
Must help Nat Phillips settle into the Derby County team
Derby County managed the statement signing of Nat Phillips in a loan deal from Premier League giants Liverpool.
Unfortunately the defender was not signed in time for him to mark his debut at Pride Park, however he will certainly be given an opportunity after the international break.
It will be crucial for Warne to make sure that he settles into the side, and is fully aware of his role within the squad. He certainly has the talents to play at Championship level, it is just a case of making sure that he does not look out of his depth or thrown in the deep end regarding tactics.
Paul Warne must work out his best midfield
Midfield options at this moment are brimming with quality, with both Goudmijn and Ozoh being joined in the centre-of-the-park by the likes of Ebou Adams and Ben Osborn.
With Osborn returning to injury, Warne will be left with a difficult decision on whether the former Premier League midfielder returns straight into the side and replaces one of the midfielders that put in a brilliant shift at home to Bristol City.
It will be difficult to drop any of the three in the midfield at this moment, and Warne must make sure not to shoehorn Osborn back in and potentially disrupt the side.
Formulate a plan B when on the back foot
Derby County have been nothing short of solid in their two home fixtures at Pride Park so far this season, however on their away trips there is a clear inability to hold on to a lead, or look to pose a threat on the attack.
The Rams look to put in a solid defensive performance, but when they are under the cosh for so long during the game, they eventually crack, as many teams at this level would.
When things are not going right for Warne, and his side are continuously getting broken down, there needs to be an alternative strategy for the Derby County boss to opt with, which would give them more of a fighting chance on the road.