Derby County have been notably erratic and sporadic in the 2016-17 season of the Championship and no wonder why they eventually succumbed in the race for a play-off spot eventually after showing glimmers of hope at the onset. The managerial ramification didn’t pan out as anticipated as Gary Rowett had seemingly failed to muster anything substantial in the business end of the campaign with the resources he had at his disposal after Steve McLaren’s departure.
The Rams concluded with 67 points and finished 9th on the chart and if they are to aim for the cherry next time around, they would have to aim at bringing quality names to the Pride Park Stadium. The summer transfer window would enable them to do the needful and the lower divisions of English football, which have cultivated truckloads of sensational players, might tempt Rowett to take a dip into the same.
From the breeding ground of blossoming talents, one of the players who are reported to have attracted attention from Derby County is Exeter City’s attacker, Ollie Watkins.
Watkins has emerged as one of the hottest properties in League Two and owing to the contributions he made for his employers in their quest for a promotion to the English third division, he has been adjudged as the EFL Young Player of the Year.
The 21-year-old has an undoubted potential and he has shown whilst his tenure with the Grecians that if he is given the license to thrive with patience, he can be a huge asset for any club in the country. A versatile player who could ply his trade as an attacker on the right as well as through the middle, he is a compelling asset and no wonder why many teams are lining up for him.
Watkins has a good control over the ball, constructs a neat sync between the teammates and tests the opposition goalkeepers frequently. Besides, his accurate passes (more often than not), ability to read the game meticulously despite his tender age and the relentless toils he makes week in and week out are some of the strongest suits which he could boast about.
The Englishman will be spoilt for choices once the curtains of the summer transfer window get lifted and thus, the Rams need to be quick in acquiring his signature. The former Birmingham City manager must be eyeing to create a core team for himself and considering the anticipated availability of the promising youngster in shape of Watkins, they shouldn’t refrain from placing the right bid to channelize the club in a positive direction next season.
