Rinse, No Repeat – Part 2

It wasn’t too long ago that a Derby midfield three made up of Hendrick Hughes and Bryson, in his pomp, was widely regarded as one of the best in the division. When Steve McClaren added George Thorne to the mix it seemed like the final piece of the jigsaw.

A few years, a few managers, some awful injuries and some even more awful recruitment later, our midfield is simply a mess and the number one area for refresh over the close season.

In part 2 of this short series, we pick the bones out of the Rams Midfield and what needs done this summer.

Jacob Butterfield – Without doubt has some talent and has had his moments at Derby. However, it says it all that a few weeks ago, he looked slow, laborious, predictable and finished, yet in the last few games has arguably been our best midfielder! I always think he plays his best football when Hughesey isn’t on the pitch, so as a backup to Will and the “two players for every position” story, there is an argument to keep him. That said he’s an expensive reserve and could we get a young loan player who could bring more energy? I think Yes, so on that basis – RINSE

Jacob’s play got more laborious by the week, but surely making him sit on a chair at training is a borderline HR issue.

Craig Bryson – Another who looked finished at Derby a month or so ago before two vintage displays against Leicester and Reading suggested the old Bryson was back. Unfortunately, two brutal displays against Newcastle and Bristol City suggest that time may indeed be up for Bryso at Derby. Will be a makeweight to Burton when Derby sign Jackson Irvine in the summer – you read it first here – RINSE

Will Hughes – The boy wonder is struggling with his form at the moment but he remains irreplaceable for Derby. With a new contract safely in the can, the only thing taking him away is a stupid money offer – KEEP

Andi Weimann – Never really given a fair chance at Derby in my opinion. Showed a glimpse of what he could bring with his dynamite display in the Hull play-off game then, typical of Derby in recent times, got a slight knock and hasn’t been seen since. Seems to have found his mojo back with Lambert at Wolves and everything points to this one becoming permanent. I would probably keep him over a couple of others but I believe he has already gone – RINSE

George Thorne – A great player who Derby have missed massively this year. Let’s hope he can get fit and stay fit next season for George himself as much as for DCFC – KEEP

Bradley Johnson – Another player who divides opinion. Has had some really low points with Derby but has also had periods where he has looked a monster in our midfield, scoring plenty of key goals. The fundamental issue here is that he was never worth and never will be worth the £6.5m we allegedly paid for him. His dream season for Norwich was scoring goals from left midfield where he has never looked comfortable for Derby. I actually quite like him as I believe he’s a genuine player and, of course, he didn’t choose his transfer fee. However, the harsh truth is he simply isn’t that good – RINSE

Promotion winning, 16 goal midfielder with relentless winning mentality. Looks remarkably like Bradley Johnson of Derby.

Akechi Anya – Signing Anya was probably the only good thing Nigel Pearson did at Derby. A really good player with a great attitude who can play a variety of roles. An absolute definite – KEEP

Abdoul Camara – Taking a step back from his comedy chant and cult status, there is no doubt his best work has been done as an impact sub. With the possible exception of West Brom away, every time he starts he doesn’t quite do it. He has some talent, but does he have the football nous and awareness to play at this level? The decision here is, is there any potential for Steve to develop? As one who we could probably get our money back on, if not make a small profit, I say – RINSE

Jamie Hanson – Developing nicely and it will be interesting to see what he takes from his loan spell at Wigan. Still learning his trade and every chance of pushing on next year – KEEP