Krystian Bielik arrived at Pride Park with a heavy price-tag and even heavier weight of expectation. Derby had lacked a powerhouse in the middle of the park for some time but seemingly believed they had found one when he arrived from Arsenal.

With the Rams reportedly paying a fee of up to £10 million including add-ons – according to the Derby Telegraph – it would be fair to assume that the expectations were high.

So, has Bielik lived up to these expectations so far? And, what are the three things we’ve learned about the former Gunner after his first 11 games in the Championship?

Lets take a look....

Versatility

Bielik arrived at Derby without the match fitness required by Philip Cocu; he didn’t, therefore, feature in any of Derby’s first two matches.

After one start in centre back, one substitute appearance in midfield and one start in his favoured position, Bielik was quickly pushed back to centre back and remained there for a further two games.

So far this season, Bielik has been deployed as a central defender six times, and a central midfielder three times.

Derby supporters expected and, perhaps, want to see their big-money signing installed higher up the pitch but have accepted and welcomed his versatility, particularly after the injury of Richard Keogh.

Whilst his best performances, so far, have come when he’s been playing higher up the pitch, there is no doubt that his style has proved to be - and will continue to be - a huge asset for Derby this season.

Prone to a mistake

 

Playing in two different positions in his first season under the tough demands of the Championship meant that it was always going to be likely that Bielik would make a few mistakes along the way. That is exactly what has happened.

In midfield, his errors have been few and far between – his performances, exemplary. But, at centre back Bielik has already given away a penalty after a rash diving challenge in their narrow victory against Birmingham City.

As a natural midfielder, Bielik has often been drawn forward out of position and has given the ball away in dangerous areas in his attempts to play out from the back. Against Brentford and Barnsley, Bielik gave the ball away unchallenged and put Derby under severe pressure on multiple occasions.  That being said, he hasn’t actually directly cost Derby a goal all season.

Not fazed by the Championship

 

Bielik plays with a certain degree of arrogance perhaps born from his rise at Arsenal.

There is a swagger to his game that stays even if he his pushed back to the defence. It is the same arrogance and swagger that could have cost Derby a few valuable points this season, but also the same traits that have started crucial attacks that have earned the Rams equally crucial points after their first 11 games.

His coolness in possession helps the likes of Duane Holmes and Jamie Patterson become freer on the pitch. His desire to play football and build from the back compliments the much more energetic game of his fellow central midfielders.