Rams Player Ratings: Swansea Loss

Tecfai Editorial Team

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Post on Nov 28, 2024

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Rams Player Ratings: Swansea Loss - A Disappointing Afternoon at the Liberty Stadium

The Derby County faithful travelled to the Liberty Stadium with hope in their hearts, only to be met with a harsh reality: a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Swansea City. The performance left much to be desired, and the player ratings reflect a generally lackluster display. Let's delve into the individual performances and assess where Derby fell short.

Goalkeeper: Joe Wildsmith - 6/10

Wildsmith couldn't be faulted for either goal, both resulting from well-executed Swansea attacks. He made a couple of decent saves to prevent a heavier defeat, showcasing his usual reliability between the sticks. However, he had little opportunity to truly impact the game positively.

Defence: A Collective Struggle

The Rams' defensive line struggled throughout the match, failing to effectively contain Swansea's attacking threats.

• Max Bird - 5/10: Bird, while usually solid in midfield, looked uncomfortable filling in at right-back. His attacking contributions were minimal, and he was frequently exposed defensively.
• Craig Forsyth - 5.5/10: A relatively quiet game for Forsyth. He managed to make some important clearances, but struggled to deal with Swansea's pace on the wings.
• Richard Stearman - 5/10: Stearman looked shaky at times, lacking the usual commanding presence in the heart of the defence. He was caught out of position on several occasions.
• Lee Buchanan - 6/10: Buchanan was probably the best of the back four, showing some attacking intent down the left flank. However, he too was susceptible to Swansea's counter-attacks.

Midfield: Lacking Creativity and Control

The midfield battle was clearly lost, with Derby struggling to control possession and create any significant attacking opportunities.

• Nathan Byrne - 5.5/10: Byrne offered some energy going forward, but his final ball often lacked precision. His defensive work was also inconsistent.
• Jason Knight - 6/10: Knight was one of Derby's brighter sparks, working tirelessly in the middle of the park. He showed his usual determination but lacked the support needed to make a real impact.
• Graeme Shinnie - 5/10: Shinnie failed to impose himself on the game as he usually does, struggling to dictate the tempo of the midfield.

Attack: A Silent Frontline

The Rams' attack was largely toothless, failing to create many clear-cut chances.

• Tom Lawrence - 5/10: Lawrence's usual flair was absent, and he struggled to influence the game. His passing accuracy was low, and he lacked the decisiveness that characterises his best performances.
• Colin Kazim-Richards - 5.5/10: Kazim-Richards worked hard upfront, but he lacked service and was isolated for much of the game. He had few chances to test the Swansea goalkeeper.
• Luke Plange (Substitute) - 6/10: Plange injected some energy into the attack after coming on but lacked the time to make a significant impact on the scoreline.

Overall: A Performance Requiring Significant Improvement

The 2-0 defeat to Swansea highlights several areas where Derby County need to improve. The defensive fragility, the lack of midfield control, and the blunt attack all contributed to a disappointing result. The Rams must address these issues quickly if they hope to achieve their season objectives. The next match presents an opportunity to bounce back and show a significant improvement in performance. The players need to analyse their individual mistakes and collectively work towards a stronger and more cohesive team effort. This loss serves as a stark reminder of the work still needed to be done.