Derby County Player Ratings: 1-0 Vs Sunderland

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Post on Jan 22, 2025

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Derby County Player Ratings: 1-0 Victory Over Sunderland

Derby County secured a vital 1-0 victory against Sunderland, a result that breathes new life into their season. The match was a tense affair, a real battle, and the Rams’ grit and determination shone through. Let's delve into the individual player performances with our detailed ratings:

Goalkeeper

Joe Wildsmith (8/10): Wildsmith was undoubtedly the man of the match. His commanding presence in the box and several crucial saves, including a breathtaking stop late in the second half, kept Sunderland at bay. A truly outstanding performance that earned Derby the three points. His distribution was also commendable, launching several attacks from the back. A rock between the sticks.

Defenders

Max Bird (7/10): Deployed in an unfamiliar defensive role, Bird showed impressive adaptability. He was solid defensively, making crucial interceptions and tackles, and he displayed composure on the ball. His passing was sharp and accurate, helping to build attacks from the back.

Richard Stearman (7/10): Stearman brought his usual experience and grit to the game. He was a constant threat in the air, winning headers and clearing danger effectively. His communication with his defensive partners was excellent. A dependable performance.

Curtis Davies (6/10): Davies put in a solid if unspectacular performance. He dealt with Sunderland’s aerial threat adequately and made several vital clearances. While not as dominant as in previous games, his experience was invaluable to the team’s defensive solidity.

Lee Buchanan (6.5/10): Buchanan provided a good balance of defensive solidity and attacking impetus. He offered support down the left flank and his crosses, although not always finding their target, were a constant threat. A solid all-around performance.

Midfielders

Jason Knight (7.5/10): Knight was instrumental in Derby’s midfield control. His tireless work rate and ability to win back possession were crucial. His passing was accurate and he showed good vision, creating opportunities for his teammates. A consistently strong performer.

Graeme Shinnie (7/10): Shinnie provided a steady presence in midfield. He shielded the defense effectively, breaking up Sunderland’s attacks and offering a calm head in possession. His experience was valuable in controlling the tempo of the game.

Tom Lawrence (6.5/10): Lawrence worked tirelessly but lacked the final product in the final third. He created a few promising openings but his final ball lacked precision. A decent performance overall, though he could have been more impactful.

Forwards

Colin Kazim-Richards (6/10): Kazim-Richards led the line with his usual physicality and battling spirit. He held the ball up well, allowing his teammates to join the attack. While he didn't find the back of the net, his contribution to the team's overall play was evident.

Luke Plange (6.5/10): Plange showed flashes of brilliance, demonstrating pace and skill on the ball. He posed a constant threat to the Sunderland defense and looked lively throughout the match. Although his end product needs some refinement, his potential is undeniable.

Substitutes

Nathan Byrne (N/A): Came on too late to be rated. Krystian Bielik (N/A): Came on too late to be rated.

Overall

This was a hard-fought victory built on resolute defending and a collective team effort. Derby County showed their resilience and determination to grind out a vital win against a strong Sunderland side. The individual performances were solid across the board, with Wildsmith standing out as the match-winner. This victory provides a much-needed boost of confidence heading into future fixtures. The team showed they have the character to battle and fight for points, and that's a vital ingredient in their quest for a successful season. A testament to the squad's depth and the manager's tactical prowess.

Keywords: Derby County, Sunderland, Player Ratings, Match Report, 1-0 Victory, Joe Wildsmith, Max Bird, Richard Stearman, Curtis Davies, Lee Buchanan, Jason Knight, Graeme Shinnie, Tom Lawrence, Colin Kazim-Richards, Luke Plange, Championship, Football, Soccer.