Derby County Draw in FA Cup Shows Need for Signings as Rams Fail to Score

Struggling Performance

Phillip Cocu named a strong side including Wayne Rooney, Jack Marriott and Chris Martin but the Rams couldn’t produce a single shot on target.

Youngster Jason Knight played out of position on the right-wing as Derby County were frustrated by the League Two side.

Knight was one of the Rams’ brighter sparks at the PTS Academy Stadium but he highlights the lack of a proper winger available to Cocu.

Florian Jozefzoon is the only recognised wide-man at the club but has made just one substitute appearance since October.

With the window closing on Friday, this should be something on the top of the Dutchman’s to-do list.

Derby were forced into fielding Craig Forsyth alongside Curtis Davies in central defence; something the full-back has been asked to do numerous times this season.

However, the Scotsman struggled with the Cobblers’ direct approach and looked vulnerable to mistakes.

With less than a week to go, Cocu is still yet to bring a central defender through the door.

The likes of Cameron Carter-Vickers of Tottenham and Leicester City‘s Filip Benkovic were linked at the start of the month, both potential loan-signings.

Benkovic is highly-rated but the Croatian will only move once the Foxes bring in a replacement.

Main Photo