‘Monster’ summer signing will allow Paul Warne to unleash a forgotten Derby County tactic.

The Rams went into the international break sat 10th in the Championship table after two wins and two draws from their opening four games.

Paul Warne watched his side get dominated by Blackburn Rovers on the opening day of 2024/25.

But they bounced back the weekend after as Derby County beat Middlesbrough 1-0. It was a shock result but one Rams fans are no doubt over the moon with.

The Derbyshire outfit also picked up a comfortable 3-0 win over Bristol City last time out.

A second straight win is now expected this coming weekend when Derby face Cardiff City.

After losing to Boro last time out, the Welsh outfit are dead bottom of the division with one goal scored and 10 conceded.

Given their fantastic record at Pride Park, a comfortable win is expected and the game could present a great chance for Warne to bring back a forgotten Derby tactic.

Nat Phillips can help Paul Warne unleash forgotten Derby County tactic.

Derby signed Nat Phillips on loan from Liverpool on transfer deadline day last month.

The 27-year-old has previously found game time hard to come by at Anfield but still earned high praise from former manager Jurgen Klopp.

Klopp called Phillips a ‘monster’ last year and Derby fans are no doubt hoping to see him impress when he makes his debut.

At present, the Liverpool loanee is competing for a starting berth at centre-back alongside Curtis Nelson and Eiran Cashin

Both players have performed admirably this term and Warne would have a hard time deciding which one to drop for Phillips.

As a result, the Derby boss could now look to switch from his favoured 4-3-3 back into a three-at-the-back formation.

The Rams enjoyed great success in 2023/24 while largely deploying a back-three/five and Phillips’ arrival opens the door for Warne to unleash his previously favoured formation against Cardiff this weekend.

Why formation change could help Derby County this season.

Derby have won two games out of four so far this season, a return most fans likely would have snapped your hand off for at the start of August.

However, the away form of the Rams is still a concern, with a harrowing defeat at Blackburn followed by another loss to Watford last month.

One way Warne could begin to try improving his side’s away record this term is by switching to a back three/five with Phillips at the heart of the defence.

Derby were able to secure promotion back to the Championship in large part due to their ability to keep clean sheets.

They have managed two shutouts at Pride Park this season but six goals shipped in two away fixtures is concerning.

But a more defensive formation could be just what they need to start picking up more points on the road.