New Derby County arrival David Ozoh has drawn comparisons to another recent signing following his loan move from Crystal Palace.

Derby County has secured five new signings ahead of the 2024/25 Championship season as Paul Warne aims to build on the team’s automatic promotion from League One in the 2023/24 campaign. Midfield reinforcements have been a priority for Warne, with Ebou Adams, Kenzo Goudmijn, and Ben Osborn joining the squad at Pride Park.

The Rams have dealt with the departures of key players like Louie Sibley, Conor Hourihane, and Korey Smith but have successfully filled these gaps with new talent.

Among the new signings is David Ozoh, who has joined on loan from Crystal Palace. Warne has been full of praise for the young midfielder, drawing a parallel between Ozoh and fellow newcomer Adams.

Paul Warne Compares David Ozoh to Derby County Signing Ebou Adams
Warne expressed his admiration for Ozoh, likening him to Ebou Adams. According to the Derby Telegraph, Warne said: “I watched him [David Ozoh] play a few times for the under-21s. He keeps the ball moving and he is a really athletic and tenacious player. He breaks play up and gets us on attacks quickly.

“He is a similar type of player to Ebou [Adams].

“He played as a sub in Crystal Palace’s first team last season, so anybody who has played in the Premier League needs to be respected.

“He’s a really humble, down-to-earth kid who is going to use this loan to develop as a man and as a player.

“I spoke to him and his agent. I’ve had one of the agent’s players before, and I had a good relationship with him. He knows everything that I was saying was true about how we treat people, and that was a big part of him choosing us.”

Will David Ozoh Make an Immediate Impact at Derby County?
David Ozoh has made 10 Premier League appearances for Crystal Palace despite being just 19 years old. However, he has yet to experience EFL football, having primarily played in the Premier League 2 with Crystal Palace’s U21s.

As this is the defensive midfielder’s first loan move, it remains to be seen whether he can make a significant impact by playing regularly at a high level, in contrast to his few substitute appearances for Crystal Palace.

If Paul Warne and Ben Osborn, who could serve as a mentor for the young player, focus on getting Ozoh technically prepared for the Championship, he could become a formidable force in Derby County’s midfield this season.

Derby County may have unearthed a gem in Ozoh. With his athleticism and physical prowess, he could play a crucial role in Warne’s plans.