Derby County: Potential Conor Hourihane, Max Bird replacement could save Paul Warne millions | OneFootball

Highlights

Derby County have a busy summer ahead to replace midfield stars Max Bird and Conor Hourihane, however, academy graduate Liam Thompson, 21, could be the ideal replacement already stationed at Pride Park.

After a surprise debut against Chorley in the third round of the FA Cup in January 2021 due to a coronavirus outbreak in the senior squad, Thompson has slowly claimed a supporting role in the Rams' midfield under three managers.

But, with Bird and Hourihane moving onto pastures new at Bristol City and Barnsley, alongside Korey Smith being released, Derby are left with just three contracted midfielders ahead of the 2024/25 Championship season.

The 21-year-old already has 60 league appearances for the club, despite an injury-hit season last time out. Yet, a changing system saw him struggle to lock down a starting place in the team.

However, after being a part of the team that won the 2018/19 U18 Premier League National title, Thompson will be looking to continue his already successful career in black-and-white.

What Thompson brings to Derby

An energetic, dependable player, Thompson makes up for his lack of physical presence with an ultra high-pressing and tough-tackling style of play.

His one goal in the league came in December against Oxford United, as the Rams fought back from 2-0 down to win all three points on the road at the Kassam Stadium. Thompson equalised with a header, using his pace and bravery to nod in from five yards.

The Nottingham-born midfielder has an appetite to win the ball back high up the pitch, recording 57 recoveries in League One in 2023/24 while also winning 85.7% of his tackles.

Thompson played a pivotal role in Derby's 4-2 away win against Peterborough United in August, but a quad injury kept him out of the squad until the end of 2023. If he can get on top of his fitness issues, he could save the Rams millions in replacements.

Partnering with possible acquisitions

Paul Warne has switched between a two and three player midfield in his last two campaigns at Derby and, after being linked with former loanee Ebou Adams and Herbie Kane, the trio could compliment each other and form a lively base for the team in the second tier.

Adams, 28, was vital in the Rams' promotion last season after joining in January on loan from Cardiff City. His ability to break up the play behind the two more advanced midfielders to start attacks was a key reason behind their second place finish. Thompson could flourish alongside the former Forest Green Rovers man once again, with their opposite styles complimenting each other perfectly.

Kane, 25, is a player more similar to the Bird/Hourihane mould. His fourteen goal involvements from the middle of the park was imperative to Barnsley's play-off finish, and with 66 chances created, he bettered all of Derby's central midfielders in League One.

Thompson's tenacity and ability to fit in alongside a variety of teammates makes him an asset to Warne, and after taking up an option to extend his contract by twelve months, he will be hoping to make more of an impact on both his and the Rams' return to the Championship.

If he can step up, he could save the Rams millions and be a key figure as they look to establish themselves in the second tier.