In the debut appearance for Derby County this season, the new signing shone brightly for the Rams, displaying impressive skills on the field. The team, however, faced a setback while playing away from home, tasting defeat with a scoreline of 2-1 against Watford at Vicarage Road in the Championship.

Paul Warne’s squad aimed to replicate their outstanding defensive performance from their previous home game against Middlesbrough, where they secured a clean sheet at Pride Park. Despite their initial lead thanks to Ebou Adams’ goal, the decision to lean back against Watford led to vulnerabilities, exposing the team’s defense.

While the overall team performance was somewhat lackluster, one standout player retained his exceptional form from the previous season, showcasing himself as a vital asset in Warne’s lineup. Derby County’s Ebou Adams, a midfielder, demonstrated his importance yet again for the squad.

During the early stages of the summer transfer window, Derby County made it a priority to secure the return of Adams, who had previously impressed during a loan spell in the 2023/24 campaign. Known for his defensive prowess in the successful promotion-winning season, Adams also showcased his goal-scoring abilities by opening his account at Vicarage Road.

With an opportunity arising for Adams in the starting lineup due to Ben Osborn’s injury, he seamlessly filled the role, proving his competency both offensively and defensively at a higher level. This versatile display has posed a selection dilemma for Warne in the midfield department, with options like Adams, Osborn, David Ozoh, and Kenzo Goudmijn vying for roles in upcoming fixtures.

The injury status of Osborn remains uncertain, but if he faces a prolonged spell on the sidelines, Adams could solidify his place in the starting lineup. Even if Osborn’s injury is minor, Adams has proven himself as a key component in the team and should be considered a top choice for the manager, regardless of the recent defeat to Watford.