Derby County transfer prediction emerges involving Ebou Adams - 'some fans have got short memories' | OneFootball

FLW's Derby County Fan Pundit warns supporters to not dismiss Ebou Adams despite Oscar Fraulo's arrival.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Derby County supporters got their first taste of Oscar Fraulo on Sunday afternoon, as he made his debut against Leeds United in the FA Cup third round.

The Rams took the lead in the first-half of the tie, as Ben Brereton Diaz made it two goals in two games with a smart strike that Karl Darlow was unable to keep out, just moments after Jacob Widell Zetterstrom had denied Joel Piroe from the spot.

Leeds' Premier League quality showed in the second-half as Wilfried Gnonto, Ao Tanaka and James Justin found the back of the net, putting an end to John Eustace's side's cup campaign at the first time of asking.

Nevertheless, Fraulo made a positive impact during his first 45 minutes as a Derby player, leading to more questions about the future of Ebou Adams at Pride Park.

Derby County fans urged to not forget Ebou Adams' history after Oscar Fraulo impresses against Leeds United

Adams has been with the Rams for the last two years, originally joining on loan from Cardiff City before his short-term move was made permanent following promotion to the Championship.

The midfielder has been a key player for both Paul Warne and now Eustace, but with Fraulo now getting his first taste of football in the East Midlands, his time may be running out. Nevertheless, Football League World's Derby Fan Pundit, Shaun Woodward, believes Rams supporters must not forget what Adams has done for the club.

When asked about Fraulo's debut, he said: "I was very impressed with Fraulo’s 45 minutes for us. I think he looked really tidy, he looked sharp, he looked like he was up for the fight in the English game as well. He wasn't intimidated by playing against Leeds. I think he thrived in the environment, and considering he's only had a few days with his teammates, I thought he looked really good.

"I think he's only going to get better as he gets fitter, and he gets to know the group. So yeah, very impressed with his first 45 minutes for Derby. He looked fitter than I think we were expecting as well, which was a bonus. So hopefully he can stay in that side now and hit the ground running.

"So, a lot of positives there for me from his first 45 minutes for Derby, and I don't think it spells the end for Adams. I do believe he'll move on. But I don't think just because Fraulo’s arrived, that means it's the end for Adams.

"I think they're completely different players and I do always believe you can have different types of players for different types of games. You could play Fraulo alongside Adams, and we've got to remember that Ozoh and Clark aren't Derby players, so they'll both likely move on at the end of the season."

Shaun continued: "So, we are still a bit lightweight in the middle when they leave. That leaves us with Travis, Fraulo, Thompson and Adams. So, it's always good to have competition there. I don't think Adams had his best 45 minutes of his career on Sunday, which is a shame because there are a lot of people out there now doubting his ability to play for Derby.

"I don't think he helped himself with that performance. But you know what you're going to get from Adams, he'll give you everything he's got. He'll work hard for the team. He's selfless.

"But if Eustace is looking down a different direction now with having more ball players in there, and that is something we do lack, for all of Adams' great work rate and tenacity, he doesn't possess those skills. If that's the way Eustace wants to go, then I will back him.

"But we've got to remember what an amazing job Adams has done for Derby over the time he's been with us. He rightly so got our Player of the Year. He scored a lot of important goals last season and he was our captain.

"I think some fans have got short memories and I think we should put some respect on that name because he's come to Derby, and he's been amazing for us. Maybe he's reached the ceiling, and it's time for him to move on, like most players, but I do believe we need to put some respect on that now."

Ebou Adams will find it tough to find a place in Derby County's starting XI

Adams has played 23 times in the Championship this season, starting only 16 of the Rams' 26 league matches. The arrival of Lewis Travis in the summer saw his minutes become more limited before his injury, while Fraulo will only add more competition.

His tenacity and effort off the ball cannot be faulted, but with the ball at his feet Adams does often leave a little to be desired.

His pass accuracy of 78% is below average for midfielders in the Championship, and he has created just three chances - although he does play in a deeper role than the likes of Bobby Clark and Fraulo.

Nonetheless, there will be interest from League One sides chasing promotion if Adams is allowed to move on, and a loan for the rest of the campaign would allow The Gambia international the opportunity for more frequent minutes.