The last twelve months were topsy-turvy for Derby County fans, being forced to watch chaos ensue off the field, rapidly develop and worsen into a terrifying state while being plunged down into the unknown depths of England’s third-tier after a 21-point deduction.
However, pride echoed throughout Pride Park throughout the season, really making the ground earn its name. Wayne Rooney blocked out the noise from outside to deliver some memorable victories for the Rams.
Derby’s squad was severely limited over the course of the campaign as the Manchester United legend was forced to promote numerous players from the youth ranks. But the brightest of lights will shine the loudest in a dark vacuum.
One of these bright lights for Derby was Malcolm Ebiowei. At just 18, Ebiowei made a massive impact on the team towards the back end of the season, showing real mental and physical maturity to play in such a competitive league.
While a poisonously memorable season has now drawn to a close, Derby’s financial frailties have continued. Ebiowei’s contract is running out at the end of the current month and the young English forward looks set to leave for nothing.
Man United and Crystal Palace were the favourites to sign the teenager but Patrick Vieiras Eagles managed to win the race, offering Ebiowei a better chance to develop.
This tactical analysis piece will be a scout report of the young Derby star. It will be an analysis of his strengths and weaknesses as well as how Rooney utilised the versatile forward within his fluid tactics.
Player profile
Having applied his trade with Arsenal and Rangers prior to moving to Derby in 2021, Ebiowei developed a name for himself as being a tricky winger with a wand of a left foot, something he never lost in the professional game.
For a left-footed and skilful wide-forward, Ebiowei certainly doesn’t fit into the archetype of having a more-slight build. The youngster stands tall at 6ft, or 185cm, and does possess quite a large frame, allowing him to use his body to hold off defenders, but he’s not large enough for it to prove detrimental to his ability to carry and dribble with the ball.
At 18, there could still be some room for him to grow, although it’s likelier that Ebiowei’s physical stature will not change much henceforth.
Ebiowei has mainly been used as a right-winger in a 4-2-3-1 by Rooney although the Dutch-born star is no stranger to being played in a deeper role or even further forward depending on whether Derby were structured in a 4-3-3 or a 4-1-4-1.
Before going in-depth in this scout report on Ebiowei’s tactical role and habits during games, his heatmap is a data visual that can paint a thousand words.
Ebiowei’s main position is on the right but instead of pushing into the halfspace, allowing the fullback to bomb on, the young winger hugs the touchline before driving inside to the box. As will be analysed in further detail later in this article, Rooney sets up the team in possession in a way that facilitates Ebiowei to use his strengths out wide.
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