Cyrus Christie
Recently signed from Coventry City for an undisclosed fee, the 21-year-old right back was brought by Derby to fill the gap left by Andre Wisdom’s return to Liverpool. Derby were in the market for a strong, attacking full-back and fans were not disappointed as Christie gave an inspiring debut against Rotherham in the season’s opener.
In a game that was hard-fought and scrappy at times, Christie’s strength and pace down the wing enabled Derby to push forward at a much faster rate than last season. This became clear in the 82nd minute when Christie dispossessed Rotherham’s Pringle, powered forward using his pace along the wing and delivered a pin-point cross to 22-year-old Republic of Ireland international Jeff Hendrick who slotted home perfectly to give Derby a winning start to the 2014/15 campaign.
However he was not only key going forward, but vital to the solid defensive performance Derby put in. Rotherham attacks were broken down time and time again by Christie’s strength, giving the Rams a solid back four from which to counterattack and build from.
Performances like these will be sure to keep Christie’s name on the team sheet and provide Derby with one of the most stable defences in the championship.
