Kieran Dowell joined Derby County on a season-long loan, but his form has been inconsistent at the iPro Stadium and has led to him being dropped in recent weeks. The 21-year-old impressed on loan at Sheffield United last season, but he’s not having the same affect in the East Midlands.
Dowell has made six appearances for Derby, making one assist. He’s created 10 chances, completed 76.5% of his 39 passes-per-game had has made eight successful dribbles (89%). The England u21 international isn’t commanding a starting place, however, and was recently an unused substitute for the third game in a row.
Phillip Cocu started Dowell in Derby’s 2-1 win over Huddersfield Town (August 5), 0-0 draw with Swansea City (August 10), 2-2 draw with Stoke City (August 17), 2-1 defeat to Bristol City (August 20), 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion (August 24) and 3-0 defeat to Brentford (August 31), but he’s failed to come off the bench in the three league games that followed.
Cocu has preferred Jamie Paterson & Duane Homes in Dowell’s position in recent weeks and results have picked up. They’re unbeaten and have amassed five points from their last three games without the 21-year-old, compared to the six points from twice as many games they’d managed previously.