Derby County’s first pre-season friendly ended in a 1–1 draw at Matlock Town, with more to analyse than the scoreline suggests.
While it was a gentle reintroduction to football for fans and players alike, the match highlighted both emerging talent and glaring squad weaknesses.
A Tale of Two Halves
John Eustace named two different lineups across each half, with the opening 45 minutes fielding more senior figures. Danny Batth and Matt Clarke anchored the defence, with Isaac Gordon handed a start at right-back. Ben Osborne and Kenzo Goudmijn sat deepest in midfield, while Ebou Adams featured further forward in an unfamiliar advanced role. Kamar Roofe led the line.
It was typical pre-season fare. The tempo was slow, chances were limited, and the intensity barely rose above training ground levels. Derby did have the ball in the net once through Cory Blackett-Taylor, only for the winger to be denied by an offside flag. The best moments came from set pieces, where Osborne’s deliveries created brief moments of danger.
Goudmijn stood out for his technical quality. Now visibly stronger than last season, he dictated the tempo alongside Osborne and played a pinpoint ball to the far post for the disallowed goal. Adams, operating as a No. 10, looked less natural. While physically combative and mobile, he lacked the subtlety needed in the final third.
Gordon’s Step Up, Goudmijn’s Maturity
One of the more intriguing aspects of the first half was Gordon’s composure at right-back. With Kane Wilson absent following post-season surgery, Gordon offered attacking intent and positional awareness. While he was rarely tested defensively, his overlapping runs and willingness to join in high up the pitch showed promise.
The reintroduction of Goudmijn in a deeper role will raise eyebrows. The Dutch midfielder thrived as a forward-thinking presence under Paul Warne, yet Eustace continues to use him further back. His range of passing and improved physicality suggest he can do both, but the team may lose a creative spark by deploying him behind the ball.
Youth Shows Hunger in the Second Half
The second half saw a largely youthful Derby XI take to the field, with Jake Rooney, Charles Agbazu, Freddy Turley and Cruz Allen all given opportunities. Despite Matlock turning up the physicality — to the point of cynicism at times — the academy prospects handled themselves well.
Turley, named Ireland’s U19 International Player of the Year in 2024, made an immediate impact with a strong early run that nearly created a goal. Agbazu led the line with strength and maturity, holding the ball up against senior defenders and linking play well. Though he never found space for a shot, his movement and composure were encouraging.
Cruz Allen looked the most naturally gifted of the lot. Drifting in and out of pockets from both flanks, he was brave in possession, intelligent with his movement, and offered a level of unpredictability Derby have lacked in the final third. His set-piece delivery was excellent too — it was Allen’s free-kick to the back post that allowed Rooney to nod across goal for Harry Hawkins to equalise.
Still Light in Key Positions
Despite some encouraging displays, Derby’s squad gaps were clear. Out wide, Blackett-Taylor showed flashes of ability but remains unreliable due to his injury record. Kayden Jackson struggled to influence the game, often turning back when in possession. Derby created very little in open play, and most attacking danger came through central build-up or set pieces.
There is an obvious lack of depth and quality in wide areas. If Blackett-Taylor and Wilson are not 100% fit, Eustace will need reinforcements quickly. Derby also lack a true ball-winning midfielder. Goudmijn, Adams, Osborne and Liam Thompson are all neat and tidy but lack physical presence. The midfield often looked lightweight and susceptible to being overrun.
The recent link to Ipswich’s Sam Morsy, whether credible or not, underlines that the club know this is an area that needs urgent attention. One defensive-minded midfielder, ideally with leadership and EFL experience, would make a significant difference.
Decisions Looming for Rooney and Others
Jake Rooney looked composed and confident in the second half, and his assist capped a solid outing. But with Clarke, Batth, Curtis Nelson and Sondre Langås all ahead of him, it is hard to see where regular minutes will come from. A loan move seems inevitable unless injuries open up space.
The same applies to many of the youngsters. Players like Agbazu, Allen, and Turley could benefit from time in League Two or the National League to continue their development. They showed enough here to suggest they could thrive with regular senior football.
Austria Will Be the Real Test
Up next is a tougher challenge: a fixture against Red Bull Salzburg’s XI in Austria. This will be Derby’s first real test of the summer, and fans will be hoping to finally see Colby Bishop, Carlton Morris, or more likely, new arrival Patrick Agyemang make their first appearances. With so many names missing at Matlock — including Wilson, Sondre Langås, and Andreas Weimann — Salzburg offers a more serious benchmark.
The week away will also allow Eustace to assess team chemistry, build fitness, and make decisions on loans. But the takeaway from Matlock is clear: Derby’s youth have potential, but the first team still needs additions.
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