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Derby County have completed their business for the first half of the 2025/26 season, and John Eustace will feel satisfied with the work done by the club this summer.
It’s been a frantic few months for the Rams, with 13 new signings making their way to the club since the start of July, while they are already four games into the new campaign.
The East Midlands outfit have had a slow start to the season, but this was something that was expected as players come back from injury, and after looking at the best XI of the 21st century as well as the worst XI already this summer, EFL Analysis has picked out the best Derby team that Eustace has at his disposal.
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Derby County’s best XI for 2025/26
GK – Jacob Widell Zetterstrom
One of the toughest positions to pick in this team, Jacob Widell Zetterstrom just pips Josh Vickers to being the first-choice goalkeeper for the Rams.
While the Swedish shot-stopper has made a few mistakes this season, at times he can come out with the most incredible saves and his kicking has improved greatly. Zetterstrom was the subject of interest from Brentford, but he remains at Pride Park.
RB – Max Johnston
Was there going to be any other choice apart from Max Johnston? Derby signed the right-back for a fee that could rise to £3.5m, with the Scottish international arriving from Sturm Graz a little under a week before deadline day.
He made his debut against Ipswich Town before the international break, and he showed just what he can bring to the team, with some excellent defensive qualities as well as a wonderful eye for a cross.
CB – Sondre Langas
The first of those who are not currently in the team, Sondre Langas is coming back to full fitness after knee surgery at the very start of the summer to fix an injury that he was carrying throughout last season.
Quick, powerful and intense, the Norwegian centre-back has all the qualities that are needed to make an excellent Championship defender and he will bring back the calm that Derby had in defence during the closing months of 2024/25.
CB – Matt Clarke
Matt Clarke is the perfect partner for Langas in the heart of the Rams’ defence, and after moving back to Pride Park in January, he signed a new long-term deal with Derby in the summer.
Incredibly experienced and reliable, he is by far Eustace’s best centre-back currently available, and offers the perfect balance for Langas.
LB – Owen Beck
The second new signing, Owen Beck has been dealing with an injury since arriving on loan from Liverpool.
A former Blackburn Rovers ace, the left-back is a favourite of Eustace and at just 23, he has plenty of potential to be unlocked. A more attacking option compared to Callum Elder, Beck has the chance to lock down the position this season and potentially find himself a permanent suitor at the end of the campaign.
DM – Ebou Adams
Ebou Adams was Derby’s Player of the Season in 2024/25, and it was an obvious choice as the defensive midfielder helped carry the Rams to survival.
He praised Eustace after the club avoided relegation, and now he’ll be working hard to keep his place in the team with David Ozoh nipping at his heels. If Adams can improve his on the ball work, then he’ll be untouchable in this team, but this is his one downfall.
DM – Lewis Travis
One of the most exciting additions of the summer in the East Midlands, Lewis Travis left Blackburn to reunite with Eustace at Derby on the same day that Johnston joined the club.
The 27-year-old proved on his debut against Ipswich that he is a battler, and he will do everything he can to win. Alongside his new midfield partner, Ebou Adams, the Rams have a brick wall in the middle of the park and they will be the guardians for the defence.
AM – Rhian Brewster
Rhian Brewster just pips Bobby Clark to the attacking midfield position for now, with the former Liverpool forward scoring his first goal for the club against the Tractor Boys in a 2-2 draw at the end of August.
The 25-year-old has had some major difficulties in his career so far, but if he continues to perform in the same manner that he started in at Derby, then this will be a very successful move for the versatile attacker.
Brewster brings excitement, pace and an abundance of joy to the squad, and he will be a very important player for the Rams this season.
RW – Ben Brereton Diaz
The 13th and final signing of the summer, Ben Brereton Diaz joined Derby a day before the transfer window came to a close, arriving on loan from Southampton.
He scored four goals and registered three assists from out on the wing for Sheffield United last season while on loan at Bramall Lane, and he could be the perfect winger that Eustace has been searching for throughout the last few weeks.
LW – Corey Blackett-Taylor
Corey Blackett-Taylor was excellent in pre-season for Derby. However, the former Charlton Athletic man suffered a hamstring injury on the opening day of the campaign and he will be out of action until the end of September it seems.
Nevertheless, if Eustace can keep him fit, then he has the tricky wide player who he needs to unlock defences and give his striker the best chance at scoring consistently.
Blackett-Taylor already has one assist to his name this season, and he will be keen to add more to his tally once he is back to full fitness.
ST – Carlton Morris
Derby have plenty of options up front this season, with Patrick Agyemang looking to make a name for himself, while Lars-Jorgen Salvesen has a point to prove following injury.
However, Carlton Morris has been the key addition at Pride Park and with four goals in four Championship games, he has hit the ground running in black and white.
The Rams have needed a threatening number nine for years, and Morris is everything that supporters have been dreaming about and more. If he continues at his current rate, then he will be the first name on the team sheet every week.