The Derby County wonderkids who will hope to catch John Eustace’s eye
The Derby County wonderkids who will hope to catch John Eustace’s eye
While Derby County committed to strengthening their first-team squad over both transfer windows this season, they have not neglected their future with the plan to rebuild the academy in the aftermath of administration.
They have already invested in some top talent with Ireland prospects Sean Corry and Freddie Turley joining last summer and Alex Stepien-Iwumene arrived after leaving Southampton.
Slowly but surely, Derby are restocking an academy that was once considered one of the best in the country and is an integral part of David Clowes’ plan for success. Here DerbyshireLive looks at some of the players who could catch John Eustace’s eye moving forwards.
Cruz Allen
The exciting midfield prospect has already signed a professional contract and the teenagerhad a taste of first-team football last season when he featured in the EFL Trophy. Reports in November 2023 claimed he was attracting the interest of some heavy hitters in the Premier League with Manchester United and Chelsea both linked.
But Derby have high hopes for Allen who has been part of the club’s academy for several years and has progressed impressively through the ranks with the teenager earning youth international call-ups with Wales.
After Allen put pen to paper on a new contract, academy manager Matt Hale said: “Cruz has done really well in the Under-21s and also the Under-18s this year and we are keen to recognise players that have come through our pathway here at Derby County. He has a lot of talent and this is fully deserved; we wish him well.”
Keilen Robinson
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