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The 27-year-old made the switch to Pride Park in the summer for the 2024/25 campaign from Swansea City, and has already started to win supporters over with his excellent work-rate, fantastic link-up play and his superb flicked passes.
However, until his side’s 1-1 draw with the Lions at the weekend, he had struggled in front of goal and there may have been fears surrounding his ability to find the back of the net.
Nevertheless, with his first goal under his belt, Yates will only grow in confidence and will continue to play a huge part in Derby’s season, something that may force Paul Warne into a decision in the January transfer window.
Derby should look at making Yates’ deal a permanent one
While it is still early days in his time at Pride Park, there should be an incentive from Warne to work a deal to make Yates a permanent member of his squad.
Although he only signed for the Swans last summer, his time at the club has been relatively difficult, proven by him getting loaned out to a Championship rival in July.
Since making the move, he has proven to Luke Williams, the current Swansea boss, why he should not have sent him away, and he is starting to look like the link that was missing for the Rams at points in 2023/24 – despite their promotion.
It can be said that despite his fantastic work off the ball, at times Yates has struggled when given the opportunity to pull the trigger, but his selflessness is a key part of his game, and he has started to build an excellent working relationship with Corey Blackett-Taylor, Kayden Jackson and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing.
The former Blackpool man has quickly taken the mantle as the club’s starting striker, and it seems unlikely that he will be replaced any time soon. Therefore, Derby should look at making him a permanent member of the team in either January, or next summer.
Yates’ goal record should not be too much of a worry
It has perhaps taken longer than many expected for Yates to open his account for Derby, but it could have happened so much earlier than on his eighth appearance.
He was denied spectacularly on his home debut by Bristol City’s Max O’Leary from close range, before QPR’s Paul Nardi denied him from a close-ranger header with a flying save at the back post in the Rams’ 2-0 win at Pride Park before the most recent international break.
The confidence he will have gained from his first goal will serve him well, and he could prove to have a big say in the Rams’ upcoming fixtures in the Championship as they start to face teams in and around them in the table.
More strikes in the coming weeks will only entice Yates to Derby’s boisterous supporters even more, and Warne may be forced into making another deal with Swansea.
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