The tactics behind Derby County’s almost impossible quest for Championship survival under Rooney – tactical analysis

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” These famous words spoken by the iconic, revolutionary Nelson Mandela hold immense meaning in all walks of life, particularly when something, or someone, is staring down the barrel of the gun of adversity.

The improbability of impossibility is why many grew to love football. Tales of Leicester City’s Premier League title win, Porto’s path to European glory and even the Greeks’ gargantuan triumph in the Euros are all examples where the impossible became permanent landmarks in football folklore.

Wayne Rooney is trying to add his own stamp on the history of the beautiful game by pulling off what could be arguably the greatest escape in English football history.

Down and out with a 21 points deduction, and sitting rock bottom of the EFL Championship, Derby County are rising from the ashes like one colossal phoenix to claw their way from the depths of despair.

Rooney has done an inconceivable job in charge of the Rams. Despite the disastrous ongoings off the pitch, Derby are massively overperforming on it. Having picked up a possible 36 points this season so far, Rooney’s men would be sitting in 13^th instead of 23^rd had it not been for the league’s punishment.

But what tactical model has Rooney put in place at Pride Park to allow for Derby to try and tackle the impossible? This article will be a tactical analysis of the Rams under the England great, in the shape of a team scout report, to find out just how their tactics have allowed them to be so proficient this season.

Adaptable formation-wise

Rooney is not in a position where he can be dogmatic in regard to his formation choices in every match. While coaches undoubtedly have a preferred system choice in their own minds, quite often they will need to be adaptable to the players available within the squad.

Rooney has favoured the notoriously balanced 4-2-3-1 this season but has also used a plethora of other structures too, depending on the opposition. The 4-2-3-1 has been utilised in 33 percent of Derby’s games so far in all competitions this season.

The 4-4-2 is Derby’s second most used formation with the 4-3-3, 4-5-1 and 4-4-1-1 not far behind.

On occasion though, particularly in recent matches, the Rams have looked to deploy a back three formation. This is generally in matches where the opponent is playing with a three-man backline also.

For instance, Derby have faced West Bromwich Albion twice this season, home and away, and managed to pick up four points from a possible six without conceding a single goal. The 35-year-old head coach switched to a 3-4-3 in both games to match the Baggies’ shape which worked perfectly.