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Derby County are less than a week away from their first competitive game of the 2025/26 campaign, and fans are raring to go.
The Rams ended their pre-season fixtures with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Greek side Atromitos on Saturday afternoon. Once again it was Corey Blackett-Taylor who impressed after struggling under Paul Warne, and there are high hopes for the new season.
John Eustace has made eight signings this summer, and while he has played down interest in Nectarios Triantis, it is clear to see that the club’s business is not over just yet.
Derby signed Rhian Brewster on Friday morning, and although he did not feature at Pride Park over the weekend, he will be a vital part of the squad this season.
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John Eustace outlines Rhian Brewster’s role at Derby County this season
The 25-year-old is now a Ram after his contract at Sheffield United expired earlier in the summer, a club at which he had mixed success.
Versatility is a key part of Brewster’s game, and Eustace wants to explore that at Derby. He said (via: BBC Radio Derby): “I think Rhian had 39 appearances last season so on the back of a couple of years of injury I think we’ve got a player coming in who is very hungry.
“He’s certainly got a point to prove and he’s going to be a dangerous player for us in those forward positions.”
On what role he could play at Derby, Eustace explained: “We’ll see where he can fit in. It doesn’t matter, he’s got quality. He’s willing to play in the seven, the 11, the 10 and the nine. So, it just gives us another option.
“It’s important that on 60 minutes we can make important changes as well and it’s about the squad. So if somebody of his ilk can come on after an hour we’ll be in a good place.”
Rhian Brewster has a point to prove with the Rams
Brewster has never truly been the most clinical of players, and Chris Wilder established this last season and helped the situation by making a change to his position.
Confidence will ensure that the former Liverpool youngster thrives, and Eustace will be crucial in handing that back to a player who is still developing.
Tyrhys Dolan is proof of how the Derby boss can work with a young player to help them recover their form and put them back on the right track.
Nevertheless, Brewster will have to work hard to earn his place in the team, and he must show his new manager why the decision was taken to bring him in this summer.