Part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk’ series, this piece offers our FLW Fan Pundits their personal thoughts on the newest breaking news, teams, players, managers, possible additions, and more.
Although the Rams should sign Brighton & Hove Albion winger Tommy Watson during the January transfer window, FLW’s Derby County Fan Pundit has additional reservations regarding the team’s midfield depth.
The 19-year-old paid £10 million to join the Seagulls from Sunderland in the summer, although the agreement was finalized before he scored the game-winning goal for the Black Cats in the previous season’s playoff final.
Watson has only made five appearances this season in all competitions, but he has already recorded one goal and three assists, all of which came in the Carabao Cup.
In September, journalist Alan Nixon revealed on his Patreon that Hull City, Preston North End, and Derby were all interested in signing Watson.
According to John Eustace, Tommy Watson “could be the difference” for Derby County.
Shaun Woodward, our Rams Fan Pundit, explained to FLW why he believes Watson would be a valuable addition to John Eustace’s team.
“I believe I’ve said it before, but Tom Watson. “He has a lot of potential and ability for a young child,” Woodward said. “Looks like he’s got a good pass and shot on him, and he’s willing to learn.”
A brief move to the Championship might perhaps hasten the former Mackem’s development and give the Rams an additional offensive option, as Brighton has yet to provide him with consistent Premier League appearances.
“The fact that he cost £10m at such a young age, I think he’s someone that could come in for half a season, get a bit of game time – especially in the closing stages of games that are tight, I think he could be the difference,” added Woodward.
But Woodward brings up a crucial point that might make any move more difficult.
“I don’t know where he fits into the 3-4-3 formation, so that’s something now that potentially might scupper any plans because I don’t know where he fits, but he could potentially be one of the front three,” said Woodward.
“I’ve not seen enough of him to know whether he can fit into that front three, but he’s a player I really like and would be really excited to see him come to Derby for half a season.”
Similar worries might surface if Corey Blackett-Taylor joined, since Woodward has also urged for the East Midlands team to send him out on loan. Blackett-Taylor is a natural left-winger, just like Watson.
Derby County may have to deal with a growing midfield issue.
In terms of Derby County’s midfield issue, Woodward’s remarks regarding Watson come at a somewhat alarming moment, despite the team having won five straight Championship games.
David Ozoh, a Crystal Palace loanee, was substituted out of the game ten minutes into the victory over Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park due to a thigh injury, and there is still a lot of doubt around his loan midfield partner Bobby Clark.
Although Eustace maintained Derby wanted to keep him, the Times reported in October that Scottish champions Celtic were planning a permanent deal for the Liverpool academy graduate in January.
“The only other thing is, with Ozoh getting injured at the weekend, we are a bit light in the midfield,” said Woodward.
“Because there are potential rumours that (Bobby) Clark might go to Celtic, and the fact (Lewis) Travis is injured at the moment, Thompson’s injured, Kenzo’s (Goudmijn) out on loan – we’re relying on (Ebou) Adams staying fit and suspension free, which might not happen.”
Even if the injuries are a clear problem, Woodward thinks there may already be remedies; he suggests that summoning back Goudmijn would be helpful if Clark decides to leave for Scotland.
“I haven’t given who much thought. We need a ball player if Clark leaves. Woodward said, “You never know, maybe Kenzo may return and take that role.
Overall, Derby is currently in tenth place following their amazing run, and if things continue to hold up, they may be able to draw in players of a higher caliber in January than initially anticipated.
Watson has experience pushing the Rams into real promotion contention in the second part of the season, so any possible acquisitions in January would undoubtedly be intended to achieve that goal.
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