How Derby County’s superb defence could help them pull off ‘the Great Escape’ – tactical analysis

On September 22, just under three weeks ago, Derby County entered into administration following financial turmoil and were handed a twelve-point deduction by the English Football League.

The mood around the club seemed dark and dismal, and hope had been lost among a lot of the fans who have already begun mentally preparing for life in League One next season.

However, the catastrophic mishandling of the club from the hierarchy has certainly not affected the desire of the players on the pitch to grind out results as the Rams are fighting for their lives still.

Heading into this current international break, Derby are sitting rock bottom of the Championship due to the points deduction but have the joint-best defensive record in the division.

While Rooney’s side have scored just seven times so far in the league, they have conceded just eight goals in eleven matches and are battling for their lives to stay in the Championship.

Having such an impressive defensive record could be hugely instrumental towards the club’s survival this season if they are to have any hope of staying up and making ‘the Great Escape’.

This article will be a tactical analysis of Derby County from this season under Wayne Rooney in the form of a team scout report. It will be an analysis of the team with a focus on their tactics out of possession in the main three defensive phases – high block, mid-block, and low block – which has led to such a solid defensive record.

Lineup, formations, and summer recruitment

The 4-2-3-1 has been Derby’s most utilised formation in all official competitions thus far in the 2021 campaign. Rooney has deployed the system in 49 percent of the Rams’ matches.

The 4-4-2 is the second most used formation by Derby with 14 percent with the 3-4-1-2 in third place.

Derby avoided the drop by the skin of their teeth last season with a final day draw with Darren Moore’s Sheffield Wednesday who were subsequently relegated.