Patrick Agyemang has been phenomenal for Derby County this season, and John Eustace believes he has more to offer.
Derby County boss John Eustace has called for protection from referees for forward Patrick Agyemang, as reported by Derbyshire Live.
Derby County have transformed from relegation contenders last season into play-off hopefuls this time around. It has been an impressive campaign under John Eustace’s leadership as DCFC continue their climb back towards former levels following administration.
The Rams’ ambitions, however, extend beyond that. In the long term, they will aim to establish themselves among the Championship’s leading sides and ultimately return to the Premier League, though reaching those heights will require steady progress on and off the pitch.
DCFC made their ambitions known in the summer with a huge summer overhaul, and among them was £7.3m man Patrick Agyemang. The American has started life at Derby brilliantly and has 10 goals to his name already.
However, speaking ahead of this weekend’s clash with Watford, Derby County boss John Eustace has called for protection from referees for the striker.
As reported by Derbyshire Live, Eustace said: “I don’t think he gets protected as much as he should from the referees for sure because of his size and the way he plays. I think defenders are getting away with fouling him.
“That’s something that we’ve certainly got to look at – to try and get more protection for him.”
Eustace full of praise for Patrick Agyemang
Agyemang has stepped up this season in a massive way. After Carlton Morris‘ injury, there was a huge gap up front for Derby, and he has taken his chance with aplomb.
Eustace has been very impressed with the forward, given the treatment he has received on the pitch.
“He understands this is a very physical league and he’s one of the top performers in the division,” he said.
“There’s so much more hard work and more development to come, which is the most exciting thing for me. We’ve got a huge asset at the football club, and he’s got to continue progressing and developing in the way he has done.”
Interest in him is likely in the summer, given how he has taken to life in England. Crystal Palace and Leeds United were briefly linked with a move in January, but that was quickly rebuffed.
Patrick Agyemang’s Championship stats
Games Goals Assists
28 10 3
Standing at 6’4, he has all the attributes to succeed with pace and finishing ability to match his height. Agyemang will also be eyeing a spot in the USA squad for the World Cup in America this summer.
Agyemang to keep Morris out of the side?
When Morris was injured back in November, many would have thought his starting spot would be ready and waiting for him on his return, with Morris already on 10 goals for the season.
However, given Agyemang’s form, that will not be the case. The American has matched Morris for goals and has proven instrumental to DCFC’s rise up the table.
With Sammie Szmodics also joining the club in January, Eustace has great options in attack. Having that squad depth will be vital for the Rams in their playoff push.
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