Football League World
·3 Juli 2025
"I'd love to be proven wrong" - Liam Thompson question raised after Derby County news

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Yahoo sportsFootball League World
·3 Juli 2025
Doubt has been cast over Derby County midfielder Liam Thompson signing a new deal
This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...
Liam Thompson recently signed a new two-year contract at Derby County.
The midfielder made 28 appearances for the Rams last term and impressed with his spirited performances, as John Eustace’s side achieved Championship survival against the odds.
At just 23 years of age, Thompson has been involved in the Derby first team setup for almost half a decade now.
Football League World’s Derby County fan pundit, Shaun Woodward, is pleased to see the academy product sign a new deal but questions his ability to break into Eustace’s starting 11.
“For the record, I want Liam Thompson to do well at Derby,” stated Shaun. “He's one of our own, he's come through the ranks, he's the last one left really and he's someone that the fans appreciate because he gives his all out on the pitch.
“It has to be said at the end of last season when we really needed players to step up, he was one of those, when he came into that midfield he really did help us through some of those really tough games.
“I’ve got nothing but admiration for the guy. I don't see him being any more than a squad player at Derby. I think with Ebou Adams as our main holding midfielder, he's just a better version of Liam Thompson. He gets around the pitch more, he's more of a goal threat, he's just got a bit more about him and I don't really see where Liam Thompson fits in.
“I think we're going to be looking out for better midfielders, and I don't think Liam Thompson is going to get much game time. I'd love to be proven wrong, but I just don't see it. I'm surprised he didn't go to a League One side and be a main starter and a player that a team could build a team around.
“I'm happy that he stayed and he wants to fight for his place which is commendable, but I just personally don't see him being part of Eustace's plans in the starting XI.”
Derby CountyÕs Liam Thompson in action with Queens Park Rangers' Chris Willock
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Thompson will be delighted to continue his time at Derby County; the club he has been at his entire career and will hope next season gives him the opportunity to play a more important function in the team.
However, it seems increasingly unlikely that Eustace will promote the midfielder to a regular starter as the Rams’ boss looks to raise the overall quality of his squad.
Therefore, the 23-year-old may have to settle for a rotational role in the Derby side next term, which isn’t what he needs at this stage in his development.
Although signing a new deal at Pride Park would have been Thompson’s aim last year, he will need to raise his standard to make Eustace seriously think about installing him into the club’s starting 11, or risk stunting his growth as a footballer.