Derby County have not started the 2016/17 campaign in great style at all, with the club languishing in 20th place in the Sky Bet Championship, with just one win in the league this season.
Perhaps more worryingly for the Rams they have managed just two goals from their eight league games so far and after plummeting £12 million on attacking quality during the transfer window, the club would have expected a better return at this stage.
Despite the first-team’s struggles this season the future is seemingly bright for the Rams and their category one academy boasts some exciting players, who look set to earn senior recognition in the years to come.
Under former boss Nigel Clough the likes of Jeff Hendrick, Will Hughes and Mason Bennett were handed the chance to play for the first-team, after impressing for the club’s youth teams.
Football League World writer Lee Clarke takes a look at three players who could make the step-up from the Rams’ academy to play first-team football in the future.
Max Lowe
The 19-year-old was included in the Derby squad for the first game of the season at home to Brighton and Hove Albion, signalling Nigel Pearson’s intention to utilise youth if necessary.
Although he wasn’t put on the pitch that day he did make his first-team debut in the EFL Cup second round win, playing all 120 minutes as the Rams went onto win 15-14 on penalties.
The youngster has been used as a left winger for the club’s u-23s, although he can also do a job at left-back if required to do so and looks to have a bright future at Derby County.
Lewis Walker
Derby County beat off stiff competition from other Championship clubs to secure the services of young striker Lewis Walker from Ilkeston FC during last season.
The powerful player is the son of former Nottingham Forest defender Des Walker and his form with the Ilkeston youth teams saw him make the step-up to play for the first-team in the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League.
After arriving in January the 18-year-old spent time with the club’s under-18 side, although he is expected to challenge for a place in the under-23 team this season, such is his talent.
Timi Max Elsnik
The 18-year-old is another member of the club’s under-23 ranks who is yet to start a game for the first-team, although he did make a substitute appearance in the EFL Cup game against Carlisle United.
The youngster netted two penalties during the 15-14 penalty shootout win and looked comfortable playing in an attacking midfield role for the majority of the second half.
The Slovenian-born player has been a regular in the under-23s and should his current form continue, first-team boss Pearson might look to get him on the pitch more often for the senior team this season.
Derby County fans, have you heard of these players? Who else do you think could be a hidden gem? Let us know in the comments below!!!