Exclusive: Derby County backed to sign Barnsley star – He could be a “force” with Ebou Adams…
Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie believes that Barnsley’s Jon Russell would be a perfect midfield partner for Ebou Adams at Derby County, as the Rams remain linked with the Tykes’ 11-goal midfield star.
The 24-year-old netted 11 times in League One for Barnsley and was one of the few bright spots in what was otherwise a disappointing season for the South Yorkshire side.
Russell established himself as one of the more dynamic midfielders in League One last season, ranking in the top 10% of third-tier midfielders in shots, shots on target and touches in the opposition box, whilst Ebou Adams had a near breakout year of his own, establishing himself as one of the strongest defensive midfielders in the Championship.
Former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie believes that the two would complement each other to great effect, creating a solid midfield partnership if Derby were to move for Russell this summer.
Lee Hendrie’s verdict on an Ebou Adams and Jon Russell midfield partnership
Jonathan Russell of Huddersfield Town
Speaking exclusively to FLW, Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie feels that Jon Russell would be a great midfield partner next to Ebou Adams.
“I think both had great seasons last season,” Hendrie said.
“And when you compare the two, Ebou Adams is more of a break up play, defensive style midfielder who is really important to Derby’s plans and how they work and play.
“Jon Russell is a more dynamic midfielder who can get forward, join attacks and score goals.
“So, I think this would be a great partnership in the Championship.”
Hendrie did acknowledge that a whole host of second tier sides are showing interest in the 24-year-old, but believes a move to Derby would be more beneficial for both club and player.
He continued: “I think that when you have someone who can sit, hold and break the play up, it gives the licence for a more attacking, influential player like Russell [to excel].
.”I certainly think this could work for Derby, and they could be a force for sure.”
Ebou Adams’ defensive brilliance could make transition easy for Jon Russell
Ebou Adams, Idris El Mizouni, Oxford United v Derby County
Jon Russell has had Championship experience already in his career, playing a handful of games in Huddersfield Town’s 2021/22 season, including starting in both their play-off semi-final legs against Luton Town.
But after a few seasons in the third tier, the former Chelsea academy graduate would need to settle back into second tier football relatively quickly if he were to make the jump this summer, and there’s arguably no better player set to enable Russell’s qualities than Ebou Adams.
Ebou Adams’ defensive stats in the 2024/25 Championship season, per Fotmob
Tackles won
99
Duels won
352
Aerial Duels won
87
Interceptions
56
Blocks
11
Recoveries
245
Adams won the most tackles and duels out of any defensive midfielder in the Championship last season, whilst also making 245 recoveries and 56 interceptions.
His defensive qualities would allow someone like Russell to play to his attacking strengths almost immediately, which would allow for a smooth transition back to playing regular second tier football again.
Time will tell whether Russell does make that jump this summer, or whether he decides to try and get into the Championship at his current club Barnsley, but if he were to move before August, Derby may well be the club best suited to get the best out of the 24-year-old.
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