Derby County has been a breeding ground for young talents who have gone on to shine at various clubs, leaving a trail of success behind them. Among these prospects, one player might rue his decision to depart the club.

The Rams’ youth academy has a reputation for nurturing promising individuals. Over the years, they have witnessed stars like Will Hughes thriving in the Premier League with Crystal Palace and Watford, and Morgan Whittaker becoming a sought-after talent in the Championship.

In addition to these success stories, there are those who left the club during its turbulent financial times. Players like Archie Brown, who ventured to Lausanne-Sport in 2021 before impressing in the Belgian Pro League with Gent, are now catching the eye of Premier League heavyweights.

Omari Kellyman’s journey follows a similar path—departing for Aston Villa at 16 and recently securing a lucrative move to Chelsea for £19 million. However, one cannot overlook the cautionary tale of Dylan Williams, who made the leap to Stamford Bridge in 2022.

Signed by Chelsea amid Derby’s financial crisis, the 20-year-old left-back has shown promise in the Blues’ under-21 squad, registering impressive stats. Yet, the road to Chelsea’s first team seems distant, prompting Williams to make a temporary move to Burton Albion in League One, with a potential permanent deal on the horizon.

While the allure of Chelsea was undeniable for Williams back then, the sacrifice of regular first-team action at Derby for a spot in the under-21 setup is now a lingering question. Williams had made a mark under Wayne Rooney, earning praise for his performances, but the dream of Stamford Bridge might have overshadowed the potential he had at Pride Park.

In hindsight, staying at Derby could have guaranteed Williams more playing time and valuable experience, rather than the uncertainty he faces at Chelsea.

As the Rams plummeted to League One, Rooney’s trust in the young player likely influenced Paul Warne to offer the player chances. Now, with Derby gearing up for the Championship, Williams readies for a League One season at Burton, proving that the grass isn’t always greener.