Derby County are currently involved in a fierce battle to secure automatic promotion back to the Championship, meanwhile one of their exciting young talents is more than excelling in the National League so far.
Forward Dajaune Brown signed for Rob Elliott’s side on loan for the remainder of the 2023/24 season and has helped to fire his new side into the FA Trophy final next month as well as almost securing a play-off place in the National League.
Brown has more than excelled in the National League, storming the division with ease and faces a strong possibility of slotting straight into the first team picture for Paul Warne’s side next season, regardless of whether they clinch promotion to the Championship or not.
The 18-year-old has just secured the National League Player of the Month award for March 2024 and his form and progress doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon, with Brown still having five league games to play as well as the FA Trophy final and at least one play off match.
However, Derby supporters who haven’t followed his journey may be questioning why I believe he deserves such high praise, so let’s find out…
Since signing for Gateshead in January, the forward has made 14 league appearances for the football club, scoring six goals which included a brace during a 7-1 riot against Hartlepool United
Similarly, the 18-year-old has established a passing success rate of 80%, 1.4 successful dribbles and averaging a goal every 116 minutes so far this season.
The Rams currently have ageing strikes in the form of James Collins, Martyn Waghorn and Dwight Gayle, but have been known to develop their younger players over the last few seasons, with the likes of Eiran Cashin, Max Bird and Jason Knight bursting through the doors.
Next season, the Rams (regardless of division) will need to utilise their younger players and being able to turn to someone of Brown’s qualities is a truly exciting prospect for Paul Warne’s side in my honest opinion.
At just 18, Brown has already excelled in the National League and has played in League One and has caught the eye of a lot of supporters in what could be the beginning of an extremely bright future in professional football.