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One player who has particularly impressed this season in black and white is Patrick Agyemang.
Since arriving at Pride Park from Charlotte FC last summer, the American has netted 10 times, whilst also registering three assists.
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Arguably, his most impressive performances have come from the left hand side, where he has played an inverted winger role and regularly bullied his way past opposition full-backs to get into the box and create chances.
With Carlton Morris’ lengthy absence from the team earlier on in the season, Agyemang was also on hand to adapt to being the main ‘number nine’ for Derby, a role which he more than rose to the challenge of, and continues to flourish in.
It’s fair to say Agyemang has probably been Derby’s signing of the season. With most opposition fans commenting on his impressive performances against them throughout the campaign, and regularly expressing their desire to have a player like him in their team.
As is the case with most strikers though, Agyemang has recently suffered a dip in form, and is now seven games without a goal or assist for the Rams. A run which has left him visibly frustrated during matches.
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This has been paired with some tough physical battles with opposing defenders, where often a lot of grappling and holding has resulted in him hitting the deck, or being illegally dispossessed, without referees consistently picking up on it. Adding to not only his frustrations, but supporters’ too.
Despite this, he has had joy on international duty with the USA this week, scoring once in a 5-2 defeat by Belgium, in which he played 19 minutes from the bench.
For me this goal could kickstart a significant shift in his confidence and form, which could be a defining factor in the Rams’ end to the season.
Going into the final seven matches of the campaign with something still to play for, fine margins are going to be where crucial games, and ultimately final table places, are decided. In these fine margin, high pressure moments, it’s crucial that you have a confident striker in your side.
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After a rocky run at club level, heading out on international duty and getting on the scoresheet will do Agyemang’s confidence the world of good.
Should he come back to Derby and be able to replicate anything close to the kind of form he was in between 17 January and 14 February, where he scored four goals in six games, then he could have a huge say in whether Derby can creep into the play-off places.
For a team that hasn’t been renowned for playing possession based football all season, it’s important that the Rams can be as clinical as possible throughout the run in, and turn as many chances into goals as possible.
Particularly in games against opponents such as Southampton, a fixture which will no doubt have massive implications on the Championship table.
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With Morris still working his way back to full fitness, and continuing to have his minutes managed, it will be Agyemang who will be called upon as Derby’s main target man to deliver, and create a potentially special end to the season for the Rams.
You can often catch Amelia Warren as a guest on BBC Radio Derby.
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