3/1 To Win
Defender Lee Buchanan has slotted into the centre back position at the heart of Derby County’s backline seamlessly following an impressive display against Hull City on Tuesday night.
Following the dismissal of Richard Stearman early in the 2-0 loss at Huddersfield Town last, Buchanan stepped into the central position in the defence alongside Curtis Davies.
The England Under-21 international performed well, but two late goals for the Terriers saw Derby come away from the John Smith’s Stadium without a point.
The Rams reacted well, though, as they defeated Hull City 3-1 at Pride Park Stadium on Tuesday night.
Goals from Craig Forsyth, Tom Lawrence and Festy Ebosele put the Rams in total control of the encounter.
Hull did pull a goal back as Forsyth guided a cross into his own goal, but Derby stood strong and comfortably held on to all three points.
It was a solid defensive display from Wayne Rooney’s side, with Buchanan earning huge plaudits for his performance in an unfamiliar role.
“I surprisingly enjoyed it more than I thought,” he told RamsTV. “I have played centre back quite a bit in the Academy.
“In the Under-18s, under Justin Walker, we played three at the back so I was the left of the three, which is a little bit different, but it’s still quite similar.
“It’s a lot different from left back but playing there in the Under-18s helped me quite a bit. I’ve still got a lot to learn, but I really enjoyed it.
“I’ve played there a few times in training as well when we’ve done shape. If I haven’t been in the starting line-up I have been left centre half, so I knew it could come through the season, especially with how thin the squad is at the minute.”
He added: “You have to be a lot more vocal. You talk anyway whilst you are at left back but being a centre back, you can see everything.
“You have to be a bit more switched on in terms of movement in front of you. In terms of left back, there is more sprint distance, whereas at centre back it’s all about moving your feet and looking for other players.”
Alongside him has been Davies, who has played every minute for the Rams in the league this season.
The central defender has been a standout performer for Derby as they have clawed themselves back into contention to avoid the drop from the Sky Bet Championship after a 21-point deduction for off-the-field issues.
Davies has been at the heart of that fightback with his late goal in the 2-2 draw against Reading securing a point, whilst clean sheets against Blackpool, West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield United in December and January have given the Rams a fighting chance of survival.
Buchanan knows he can learn a lot from the 36-year-old who is arguably having one of his best seasons in his professional career.
“Curtis is very good to play with,” he said. “We compliment each other very well, I think, especially with one right footed and one left footed and he has played there all his career so it’s a good person to be next to.
“He knows even if he has lost a little bit of pace, he is still experienced and knows what he is doing so I’m sure he’s happy to play with me too.
“He’s a big character. He likes a joke but at the same time he’s very good before the game, talking, getting the lads going and he’s one of the main leaders in there.”
Derby will return to Sky Bet Championship action with a trip to the Riverside Stadium to face Chris Wilder’s Middlesbrough on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
