Derby County Head Coach John Eustace hailed the progress made by his squad as his team edged closer to the 50-point target he set at the start of the season.
Last Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Swansea City put the Rams on 48 points after 32 matches, keeping them sixth in the Sky Bet Championship and just within touching distance of their season goal.
Ahead of the challenging trip to Watford, Eustace reflected on the squad’s development, the growing influence of striker Patrick Agyemang, and the strength of the goalkeeping department.
“We’ve made real progress since the start of the season. The team and the group have been developing nicely, and reaching 48 points at this stage is something to be pleased with,” Eustace said.
“There’s still a lot of hard work to come over the next 14 games, but we’re in a strong position to continue improving results and performances.”
“Patrick’s had a huge impact. When we first signed him, we knew it would take a little time.
He had a groin operation which kept him out for six weeks, and then we had to get him match-fit and up to the right standard to play week in, week out in the Championship,” Eustace explained.
“There will be highs and lows, but he’s developing into a top player. The coaches on the training field have put a lot of hard work into him, he’s buying into what we want, and you can see him developing nicely.”
“All three of our goalkeepers have now kept clean sheets this season, which is often something overlooked, but that depth is crucial,” Eustace said.
“That comes from the top. Paul Clements dedicates himself to making his department one of the best in the Championship. You can see the level of detail and quality in training.
From when we came in a year ago, you can see the development in Josh Vickers, Jacob Widell Zetterström, and now Richard O’Donnell. All three are developing into real top performers.”
“Lewis Travis is back, but I don’t think there’ll be anyone else joining the group this week. The attitude of the boys since the weekend has been excellent.
We want the squad to be as fit as possible, everyone on the training field performing day in, day out and really pushing each other,” Eustace said.
“Everyone who is out there will be ready for Saturday.”
“Watford have a strong squad with some fantastic individual players. They’re top footballers, top performers.
They’ve obviously got a new head coach, and we’re not entirely sure how they’ll set up, but what we do know is that we’re up against a very good team,” Eustace said.
“We played them earlier in the season and they beat us, so it’s a challenge we’re really looking forward to. We can’t wait for the game.”
