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When Phillip Cocu arrived at Pride Park earlier this summer, Derby County supporters had every right to be excited about the 48-year-old.

Following a successful playing career which saw him win La Liga with Barcelona and reach the semi-finals of the World Cup with his country, the Dutchman won three league titles at PSV Eindhoven in what was his first managerial job.

Using his tried and trusted 4-3-3 formation, Cocu developed a superb reputation which ultimately played a key role in why Derby decided to appoint him as their new boss.

However, despite winning his first match in charge of the Rams against Huddersfield Town, it is fair to say that Cocu has yet to live up to expectations.

With Derby currently on a run of six games without a victory in all competitions, it is clear that they needs someone to step up to the mark over the coming months if they are to have any chance of securing a top-six finish this season.

Whilst the majority of the club's players failed to impress during last Friday's 1-1 draw with Cardiff City, one man in particularly illustrated some real signs of promise.

Signed from Scunthorpe United for an undisclosed fee by then-boss Frank Lampard in 2018 (via BBC Sport), Duane Holmes made 33 appearances for Derby last season in all competitions as helped the club reach the Championship play-off final.

However, the 24-year-old was forced to watch on from the sidelines at Wembley Stadium due to a knock (via Derby's official website) as the Rams suffered a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa.

Having been limited to just three appearances this season as a result of thigh injury picked up on international duty with the United States (via the Derby Telegraph), Holmes has yet to hit top-form for Derby.

Yet when you consider that he was arguably their best player during their clash with Cardiff, he may not be too far away from becoming an integral part of the Rams' plans for the foreseeable future.

Therefore, it is paramount that Cocu retains his faith in Holmes, as not only is the midfielder blessed with an abundance of pace, but he is also capable of creating chances for his team-mates.

Directly involved in six goals for the Rams last season, the former Huddersfield Town man will be determined to exceed this total during the current campaign.

If he can hit the ground running over the coming months, Holmes could end up providing the likes of Jack Marriott and Martyn Waghorn with the service that they need to fire Derby to success in the Championship.