Derby County's 2015/16 campaign was a campaign that saw them, yet again, fall short of a return to the Premier League.

The arrival of ex-Real Madrid coach Paul Clement brought much excitement to the iPro Stadium with many bookies rocketing the Rams to one of the promotions favourites.

However, it seemed that the pressure that came with the Clement's job was all too much and a series of failures on the pitch lead to a seven game winless run which eventually resulted in his sacking in February - just eight months and 33 games into his reign at Derby.

The Rams sat just five points off top spot in the Championship when Clement was sacked and it was with great surprise to many football fans. However, maybe it is symbolic of the way in which football is heading. Owners are desperate for success and the rate at which they want it is shortening to extraordinary levels.

And, with the arrival of highly-acclaimed boss Nigel Pearson to the club, it seems as if fans, not just Derby County fans, are tipping the Rams for a return to the big time.

After all, Pearson is a boss who has not only promoted Leicester to the Premier League but has also received high reward for the success winning the LMA Championship Manager of the Year in that Championship winning season.

At the heart of every good side is a midfield who can not only provide solid foundations for an attack but also provide sufficient protection for the back four. Derby are a side blessed with talent and midfielders is definitely a department they have an abundance of talent in.

With the likes of George Thorne, Jacob Butterfield and Will Hughes, Derby are almost spoilt for choice when it comes to midfielders. Nevertheless, the arrival of Pearson could see him shuffle the pack and bring in some new players if he would choose to.

Click here to see the DREAM midfield for Derby County next season.

CM - George Thorne

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George Thorne who almost certainly fits straight into the Derby County dream midfield. Many fans have been impressed with the 23-year-old after performances last season that proved vital to Derby's play-off push.

In a defensive midfield role, he provides great protection for the back four and has been tipped as one of the best players in the Championship in his position.

What is more, the maturity to which he plays with at the moment is one of the most impressive things about the young talent. And, at just the age of 23, it seems Thorne will have plenty of time to improve his game to reach the top tier of English football in the future.

As for his role at Derby County, Pearson will be very keen to keep hold of the young midfielder given the attributes he possesses. Like it was previously stated, a strong midfield is key to the success of any side and in Derby's dream midfield Thorne would certainly fare well at the base of a midfield three that will allow the attackers to play with more freedom.

CM - Jeff Hendrick

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Like Thorne, Hendrick is a midfielder who, at 24 years old, has tremendous potential to push his career into the Premier League. Derby fans would love that to be with their side as Pearson is at the club to achieve that goal.

The Republic of Ireland-international graduated from Derby's academy in 2010, penning a 4 year deal at the club which was then extended with the same length contract in 2014. Therefore, it is clear to see that Derby is a place close to his heart and he will certainly be determined to do his best for the club.

The reason the 24-year old fits into this dream midfield is not just on talent because other midfielders for the Rams also have terrific talent and have not managed to make the side. He has got the nod over the likes Bryson and Johnson on the basis that he will become a focal point of the Derby side over the next few years.

He is definitely a midfielder who plays beyond his years in terms of maturity on the pitch as well as having an eye for goal when the chance occurs.

There is no doubting his ability and the more he continues to develop at Derby the better the player he will become.

CAM - Will Hughes

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The aforementioned pair scored 2 and 3 goals respectively last season, therefore making Hughes could add that something different to a midfield three.

With an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered against Bolton in August 2015, Hughes' 2015/16 campaign proved very difficult with the injury subsequently ruling him out for six months. Hughes will be determined to showcase his skills when the new season kicks off in August after an impressive season in 2014/15 that saw him named Derby's player of the year.

During that season, his creative ability lead to high acclaim from the footballing world. His ability to pick a pass and open up defences is something that will prove very important in Derby's promotion push next season. He also has an eye for goal with a cheeky back heel in the 2014/15 play off semi-final versus Brighton showing his clinical nature in front of goal too.

What makes this midfield a 'dream'?

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The midfield three of Thorne, Hendrick and Hughes is one that gives a solid midfield everything they need to be successful - maturity, creativity and experience of the league. Perhaps the age of the three would concern a few if they were to play for the whole season.

And, of course, playing three players, none of which are over 25, is a risk. But, as Nigel Pearson said at his first ever news conference as Derby boss, the future of the club is very bright. Thus, putting the faith in younger talents will allow them to improve at the club and stand them in good stead for the future.