John Eustace has a £5.8m Derby County weapon ready to be unleashed | OneFootball

Patrick Agyemang is edging closer to a Derby County debut

Despite picking up just two points in their opening four games, there's been plenty to like about Derby County going forward throughout the first month of the campaign.

Carlton Morris is looking more and more like the frontman who scored 20 in Luton Town's promotion campaign three seasons ago, scoring in each of their Championship games so far, and Rhian Brewster scored for the first time in Derby colours in their recent draw against Ipswich Town.

The Rams are one of six sides to have scored seven goals so far this season, and once John Eustace can stop his side from leaking goals at the other end, something he's very good at getting his teams to do, then Derby could be incredibly dangerous.

That's not even taking into account that their marquee striker signing has yet to play for the club.

Patrick Agyemang moved across the Atlantic from Charlotte FC in July in a move which cost an initial £5.8 million, but could rise to £7.3 million. However, his debut has been delayed due to a long-standing hernia issue.

It won't be long until the six-foot-four American will be available to be selected, and many at Derby are hoping that he will terrorise players at this level.

Patrick Agyemang has a lot of qualities which will make him a dangerous Championship striker for Derby County

Agyemang is the current starting striker for the USMNT and played a huge part in their recent Gold Cup run, which ended in a final defeat against Mexico. He started each of their six games and scored twice.

His goalscoring record in the MLS reads 17 goals in 59 games, which is admirable, but ultimately a number which will need to improve once he starts lining out in the Championship.

It's worth pointing out that, upon his signing, Eustace said that there is "no rush for him to come in and score goals straight away". As long as Morris is netting them at the rate he has been so far this season, this won't be an issue.

However, Agyemang is Derby's most expensive addition since the club came out of administration three years ago, and expectations will be there to see at least a glimmer of potential to be a top striker at this level.

He's tall, strong, but also rather quick and skilful on the ball. Not only is he able to hold the play up and release wingers into space, but he can drive the team forward and win set pieces, too.

Agyemang's career so far has gone from strength to strength. He only started playing professionally in 2023, and now he's the starting frontman for his national team and has been bought for a healthy seven-figure fee.

The 24-year-old has been able to handle increased pressure so far in his career, and he likely will be able to in this next step.

John Eustace could have a strong striker core on his hands this season

Last season, Derby managed to score just over a goal a game, netting 48 across the 46-game Championship season. Ultimately, their solid defence, which saw them concede just 56, was a big part in keeping the Rams up.

Therefore, it wasn't difficult to see that the club needed attacking reinforcements, and through Morris and Agyemang, with Brewster available to slot in up front, too, the frontline looks almost unrecognisable from last season.

Already, Morris is looking like a handful, and Brewster's chipped in with a goal, too. If Agyemang can come in and hit the ground running, Derby's attack will have transformed from one of the weakest in the Championship to one of the most feared.

It's been a slow start to the season for Eustace's side, but all signs point to an upturn in form after the international break.