Blackpool defender Michael Nottingham told his side’s official website last year how reported Derby County target Armand Gnanduillet is an ‘absolute beast’ at times.
A recent report by Football Insider claims the Rams are keen on Gnanduillet.
The French-born striker has been in fine form this season. He has notched 12 times in all competitions, including five goals in his last four appearances.
Standing at 6ft 4inch, Gnanduillet has plenty of strength. And late last year, his fellow 6ft 4inch teammate Nottingham claimed he was often unplayable.
He [Armand Gnanduillet] an absolute beast when he wants to be. He’s unplayable at times and he had a shift to do, which he did very well.
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Gnanduillet has added more to his game this season. Aside from scoring more goals, the striker is good at hold-up play and averages 7.3 aerial duels won per game.
Derby have plenty of attacking talent in their squad. Chris Martin, Jack Marriott, Tom Lawrence, Martyn Waghorn and the incoming Wayne Rooney are all central options.
Manager Phillip Cocu, however, may feel his Rams side lack height and strength up top. At PSV, he often played 6ft 2inch Luuk de Jong as a central forward in a 4-3-3 system.
Derby have tried playing Marriott, Waghorn and Martin upfront on their own. In each case, however, they seemingly haven’t quite fit the profile.
Gnanduillet, 27, could offer Derby something new and he is out of contract next summer. His lack of experience at Championship level, though, could be cause for concern.
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