Paul Warne is thrilled about the progress of his revamped Derby County squad in pre-season, especially after comparing one of his summer signings to French legend Zinedine Zidane.
Despite not seeing Ben Osborn in action during the pre-season opener—a 3-0 friendly win against Matlock Town—Warne is optimistic. The match saw goals from summer signings Kayden Jackson and Jerry Yates, with midfielder Liam Thompson also finding the net. Osborn, along with Conor Washington and Joe Ward, did not participate but will join the team for their training camp in Spain.
Warne expressed his excitement to RamsTV, saying, “Kayden brings pace, versatility, and is a constant goal threat. Jerry is also a proven goal scorer in the Championship, and he had several chances tonight; he could have had a hat-trick.”
Speaking about 29-year-old Osborn, who joined from Sheffield United on a free transfer, Warne enthusiastically remarked, “We haven’t seen Ben in a match yet, but in training, he looks like Zidane!”
Warne also praised new midfielder Kenzo Goudmijn: “Kenzo embodies what we want in a midfielder; he always looks to play forward. Despite only a few days of training, he clearly has a plan for the ball and has been a great addition. The new signings have integrated well into the team.”
Regarding the fitness of Osborn, Washington, and Ward, Warne added, “We are being cautious. Whether they play in the game against Stockport, I don’t know yet.”
