Bobby Clark’s form this season has been impossible to ignore.
The 21-year-old midfielder has been named EA Sports FC EFL Young Player of the Month for January after a run of performances that helped drive John Eustace’s Derby County to 13 points from a possible 18 in then Sky Bet Championship.
From scoring the winner against league leaders Middlesbrough to setting up Ben Brereton Díaz in the 5-0 demolition at Ashton Gate against Bristol City, Clark has made his mark, and he is only getting started.
Clark opened January in style, netting the only goal in Derby’s 1-0 home victory over Middlesbrough.
He followed that with further strikes in away wins at Charlton Athletic and Bristol City, proving he can deliver in key moments.
His assist for Brereton Díaz in the Ashton Gate rout highlighted the chemistry developing between the duo, as Clark thrives in a more advanced No.10 role.
The midfielder was presented with a personalised trophy and his EAFC card in recognition of his outstanding month.
Speaking to RamsTV, Clark admitted he was delighted to be recognised after a productive spell.
“Yeah, buzzing with this, obviously, to be in a good month and rewarded with a trophy. So yeah, buzzing.”
Reflecting on his recent form and increased attacking output, he added:
“Obviously, moving forward into a bit more of an attacking role, I have been looking to add a few contributions to my name, and that first goal against Middlesbrough set it off nicely. Thankfully, I could add a few after that.”
Clark also highlighted his understanding with Brereton Díaz, who assisted two of his goals.
“I think we have developed a good little chemistry over the last few games… I gave him one to start with and then he sent me through. It has been good.”
He credits his recent positional freedom particularly with Lewis Travis and David Ozoh operating deeper as a key factor behind his attacking influence.
“I have really enjoyed it over the past few games. With them two behind it, it gives me a bit of freedom and more chances to run beyond and get chances in front of goal. It has been a breath of fresh air.”
Speaking after the Middlesbrough win, Eustace praised Clark’s versatility and development across multiple midfield roles.
“I think the last two games that he’s obviously played as a 10 and eight, so we’ve been able to get him a little bit more forward.”
“The young lad can create and score; that’s why we initially brought him into the football club.”
“But full credit to the boy to play as a six for the last 10 or 11 games, the way he’s gone about his business.”
Eustace emphasised how Clark adapted to unfamiliar responsibilities earlier in the campaign:
“He’s had to learn the role on the job, and we’ve tried to help him as much as we can, but I think he’s maturing into a really nice footballer now and he’s learning the other side of the game which comes to playing at number six.”
The Derby boss also stressed the club’s responsibility to develop young players and believes Clark’s progress is a strong example:
“It’s our job as a football club and as staff to make sure that the players come here and then develop and I think they’re doing quite a good job with Bobby at the moment.”
“It is my job to bring the players in and help them develop and we have certainly done that with Bobby. And I know there is going to be a lot more to come in the second half of the season.”
Since joining Derby, Clark has steadily established himself as one of the club’s most promising young talents.
Initially deployed in a deeper midfield role, he impressed with his composure on the ball, defensive intelligence, and ability to drive play from midfield.
The shift to a more advanced role has allowed Clark to display another dimension: his attacking instinct.
He combines excellent movement between the lines with sharp finishing and vision, contributing both goals and assists at crucial moments.
His link-up play with teammates such as Ben Brereton Díaz has become a key feature of Derby’s attacking patterns, adding unpredictability and creativity to the side.
Clark has also demonstrated versatility and maturity, seamlessly moving between defensive, box-to-box, and attacking roles as the team’s tactical demands have evolved.
Beyond his technical skills, his work ethic, intelligence on the ball, and willingness to learn have made him a model professional and a central figure in John Eustace’s squad.
In short, Clark has brought goals, creativity, tactical flexibility, and maturity to Derby since signing, qualities that have quickly made him indispensable as the Rams push to climb the Championship table.
While January was a standout month, Clark’s influence has been felt throughout the season. A few performances stand out:
Bristol City 0-5 Derby County (30 Jan 2026) – Goal & assist
Clark was instrumental in Derby’s biggest away win of the season, threading a key pass that led to a goal and then finishing coolly one‑on‑one with the keeper to make it 3–0. His all‑round contribution in attack and his assist helped Derby dominate in the South West.
Derby County 1–0 Middlesbrough (1 Jan 2026) – Winning goal
In a crucial New Year’s Day clash, Clark scored the only goal of the game to secure all three points against high‑flying Middlesbrough. His composed finish made the difference in a tight contest and ended Derby’s winless run.
Charlton Athletic 1–2 Derby County (20 Jan 2026) – Goal on the road
Playing away at The Valley, Clark got on the scoresheet again with a second‑half strike to help Derby to a valuable win and extend their strong away form.
Derby County 1–0 Preston North End (17 Jan 2026) – Solid midfield display
Clark helped Derby grind out a narrow win at Deepdale, anchoring the midfield and contributing to a clean sheet in a close battle. While not scoring, his performance earned a good rating and showed his influence beyond goals.
Derby County 1–1 West Bromwich Albion (23 Jan 2026) – Creative influence
In a draw against West Brom, Clark played a key role in midfield and helped Derby secure a point. His involvement in build‑up play and chance creation was important, reflecting his growing influence in the side’s engine room.
Across the season, Clark has consistently shown he can perform in multiple roles, contribute at both ends of the pitch, and link effectively with teammates. His consistency, tactical flexibility, and growing goal threat have made him a key figure in Eustace’s plans.
Clark has brought goals, creativity, tactical flexibility, and maturity to Derby since signing. Beyond his technical ability, his work ethic and football intelligence make him a central figure in the squad.
Whether controlling games from deep, linking play through midfield, or arriving in the box at the right moment, Clark has become indispensable as Derby push up the Championship table.
“It was an important month with a lot of games, and we picked up some really important points. But we are just looking to push on in the last few games,” Clark said.
January may well have been the month Clark truly announced himself as one of the Championship’s brightest young talents. If he maintains this form, Rams fans have every reason to be excited about what he will bring in the months ahead.
