The 2016-17 campaign of Sky Bet Championship turned out to be an unfruitful one for Derby County. The sacking of Steve McLaren was followed by the introduction of Gary Rowett as his successor as the gaffer didn’t spark anything galvanising as they were seemingly sporadic and timorous during the business end of the season. The Rams failed to muster a playoff spot, which implies that they would need to toil in the second tier of English football for at least one more season.
Though the jury is still out, Rowett would need to deliver big time next season and should look forward to mounting a substantial challenge for promotion to the Premier League. The upcoming summer transfer window would be a huge one for Derby County as they have to pluck talents and add them to their ranks to bolster their squad. Apparently, one of the players who is believed to be on the wish-list of the former Birmingham City manager is Liverpool’s promising young prodigy in the shape of Kevin Stewart.
Stewart emerged through the youth ranks of Tottenham Hotspur and was eventually acquired by Liverpool on a free transfer in 2014. With loan spells with Cheltenham Town, Burton Albion and Swindon Town, the 23-year-old brushed himself up and so far this season, he has been handed 9 appearances across all competitions, most of which were cameos from the bench, under the tutelage of Jurgen Klopp. However, at this time of his career, Stewart must be aiming for regular first-team football and thus, a move to the Pride Park Stadium should actually appeal to the starlet.
Despite starting his career as a fullback, the Englishman quickly adapted to the central midfield slot and his exemplary work ethic has caught a lot of attention from the football fraternity. Some of the most intriguing aspects about him include his excellent passing range, ability to cushion the backline in a shrewd manner, getting into tight areas without withering away and his knack to cover every blade of grass on the pitch. He is a blossoming talent and there is no second perception about the same.
Moreover, his ability to dictate the tempo of the game from the centre of the park is really appealing and he would be spoilt for choices in the summer transfer window considering the interests from clubs like Brighton & Hove Albion and Burton Albion. Derby County need to take proactive measures to ensure they get the first-hand advantage in signing him as he can indeed help them in striving for the best next season.
