Latest Derby County news from DerbyshireLive brings you a look at Harrison Armstrong who was Derby’s sole deadline day signing

When Harrison Armstrong arrived at Derby County on deadline day, he did so with plenty of glowing recommendations from Everton fans.

Whether it was “future England international” or “he will be a top player for you,” the 18-year-old received plenty of verbal bouquets on social media. Both Sean Dyche and current Everton manager David Moyes are big admirers of the teenager, who is considered too good for the academy but not quite ready for the regular demands of the Premier League.

But he has clearly made his mark at Goodison, where Moyes only said last month that he was “hugely impressed” by the England youth international who “has got a bit of personality as well.”

With Derby tasked with nurturing another of Everton’s exciting talents to fall off the Finch Farm production line, the question remains now about where Armstrong will play in this team.

Reams of YouTube footage demonstrate his technical ability, be it carrying the ball from deep or penetrating defences with the kind of passing that Derby have lacked in midfield this season. He looks tailormade for a number 10 role or as a traditional eight, but playing him any deeper would represent a total waste of his ability to cause problems in between the lines.

The pass he supplied for Beto in the FA Cup win over Peterborough last month was ample evidence that if strikers make the runs, he can find them. Amid growing demand for Derby to play through the middle of the pitch, he seems an ideal fit to give them another attack route the team has often been accused of lacking.

It will be fascinating to see how head coach Paul Warne uses him for the remainder of the season as Derby desperately seek results that would not only lift them out of the bottom three but also improve the mood around Pride Park.

Currently, Derby are playing with a 3-5-2 system, which would mean Armstrong being deployed as an eight. The problem that Derby have at the minute, however, is that Ben Osborn has been playing as left wingback while Kayden Jackson has been on the opposite flank.

Both players would probably testify that it’s not their natural position, but in light of injuries to Kane Wilson, who is out with a hamstring problem allied with Callum Elder suffering from a tweaked groin, it was a case of needs must against Sheffield United last weekend.

But you sense that a return to a 4-2-3-1 would give Derby far greater attacking impetus and allow them to reintroduce the wingers to the team. Dropping him in behind Jerry Yates or Lars-Jorgen Salvesen and arming him with support on the flanks would surely provide greater attacking threat to a team struggling for goals at a key time of the season. A double pivot of David Ozoh, whose composure in possession allied with Ebou Adams’ tenacity, would certainly provide an excellent insurance policy behind the attack.

If there is an issue, it’s how they work through midfield to give him the ball. Adams is not particularly technically proficient in terms of his passing, but at the same time Derby cannot live without his energy, aggression and the fact he is the Championship leader when it comes to tackles won this season.

Derby will have to consider that as they approach the Norwich game this weekend, when Armstrong is expected to feature in some capacity. Whether that would be a start is a call Warne will have to make. But there are options available to him and if they can give Armstrong the ball, then he will undeniably make things happen.