Football

Struggles for two Derby signings should see Lampard move for Patrick Roberts

Derby County need to bolster their wide options this January.

Manchester City's Patrick Roberts in action at Soldier Field on July 20, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois.

Derby County’s latest 3-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa was a sign that the team needs bolstering, with two summer signings failing to make an impact at Pride Park so far this season.

New manager Frank Lampard went about shaping his squad in the summer by bringing in Harry Wilson, Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomoro on loan – three players who have made a positive impact.

Lampard’s permanent signings, however, have been more hit-and-miss. Jack Marriott has been excellent, while Scott Malone is a useful addition. Martyn Waghorn and Florian Jozefzoon, though, have struggled.

Waghorn arrived from Ipswich Town having netted 16 league goals for the Tractor Boys last term yet, in Lampard’s preferred 4-3-3 system, he has been forced to play in a wide role he is not so comfortable with.

Jozefzoon, meanwhile, joined from Brentford and he has not played the full 90 minutes since the first day in September. He has either started and come off or been brought on for cameos late in games.

The duo have just two league goals between them in a combined 24 appearances, while fellow winger Mason Bennett also has just one goal to his name although, to the 22-year-old’s credit, he has three assists.

Lampard must strengthen in January as it is clearly a worrying position for the Rams, and one player who could add the necessary quality is one of Lampard’s former Manchester City teammates Patrick Roberts.

Derby County manager  head coach Frank Lampard and Florian Jozefzoon of Derby Countyduring the Sky Bet Championship match between Derby County and Ipswich Town at Pride Park Stadium on...

According to a recent report in the Sunday Mirror (November 11, page 68), Roberts is in line for a fresh loan move, with his current spell at La Liga side Girona set to end this January.

Having previously spent two-and-a-half years on loan at Celtic, the former Fulham ace has plenty of talent, and moving to a Championship promotion challenger would give him more valuable experience.

Capable of playing on either side, he would provide the Rams further depth out wide and his hardworking, attacking style fits right in with the philosophy Lampard is attempting to implement at Pride Park.

Frank Lampard the manager of Derby County looks on during a pre-season friendly match between Derby County and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Pride Park on July 28, 2018 in Derby, England.

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