Derby County’s standout return to the Championship last season earned them 92 points and an impressive second place in League One, mainly due to their strong defensive record of conceding only 37 goals in 46 games. However, as they gear up for the upcoming Championship campaign, concerns are rising over the effectiveness of their backline, especially considering their lackluster performance in pre-season matches.

In recent friendlies, Derby struggled defensively, succumbing to a 4-0 defeat against Chesterfield and a narrow 2-1 loss to Shrewsbury Town. The backline pairing of Cashin and Bradley showed vulnerabilities that could be exploited by stronger opponents, raising doubts about their readiness for the challenges ahead. These preseason results have underscored the urgent need for defensive reinforcement to avoid being outclassed by the attacking prowess of teams like Leeds United and Norwich City.

In light of these defensive frailties, manager Warne should prioritize recruiting young talent to provide depth in central defense. One potential addition who could bolster their defensive ranks is Bashir Humphreys, a promising 21-year-old centre-back currently on Chelsea’s books. With valuable experience gained from a loan spell at Swansea City, Humphreys offers the youthful vigor and skill set needed to strengthen Derby’s defensive line and offset the waning performances of more senior players like Nelson and Bradley.

In a bold move, his absence from the Blues pre-season tour hints at his availability for a potential loan deal. Drawing inspiration from the successful second-tier performances of players like Marc Guehi, Fikayo Tomori, and Reece James, he appears to possess the qualities needed to emerge as a future star.

Despite any setbacks during his time at Swansea, his Championship experience suggests that he is likely to show improvement in the future. If Humphreys doesn’t fit the bill, Derby must explore other options to bolster their defensive line, especially since they can’t rely solely on three center-backs. While Cashin is dependable, the Rams will need additional defensive strength to secure their stay in the Championship.