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Derby must somehow sign this talented 22-year-old South African this month – would boost their promotion hopes

Why Derby County should make a move for Rivaldo Coetzee in January

According to a report from the Scottish Sun, South African international Rivaldo Coetzee was on the verge of joining Celtic in the summer of 2017. However, the defender failed his medical and a move to the Scottish champions collapsed. Instead, he swapped Ajax Cape Town for rivals Mamelodi Sundowns.

Rivaldo Coetzee, 22, spent a season and a half long on the sidelines with a foot injury but returned to make his league debut for Mamelodi Sundowns last December. The 22-year-old has settled down very well at Sundowns since returning from a career-threatening foot injury.

With Rivaldo Coetzee making his a long-awaited comeback from injury, Derby County must consider making a move for him.

Derby County have performed extremely well under Frank Lampard as they currently find themselves in the top six. The Rams did themselves proud at the weekend, holding Southampton to a 2-2 draw at Pride Park in the third round of the FA Cup.

That was a clear indicator where Lampard’s team are in regards to their Premier League opponents and they came out with flying colours. But to bolster their promotion hopes, Derby County have to make a couple of additions this month.

Lampard must prioritise strengthening his defence, which has leaked 32 goals in the Championship this term. To shed light on Derby’s defensive options, Richard Keogh and Curtis Davies are on the wrong side of the 30s, while Fikayo Tomori will return to Chelsea following the expiry of his loan spell at the end of the season.

To avoid a potential burnout of options, Derby should sign Rivaldo Coetzee in the January transfer window.

A youth product of Ajax Cape Town, Coetzee made close to 100 appearances for the club before joining Mamelodi Sundowns in 2017. He has been hugely unfortunate with a foot injury but he is now back to his old self and a move to England could be tempting for the defender if Derby come calling.

Standing at 5ft 10in, Coetzee is not exactly blessed with a towering frame but he makes it up with his positional awareness and understanding of the game.

He is very composed in possession and can bring the ball out from the back with ease. Robust on the tackle and capable of clearing the ball out of the defence, the 23-cap South African international has all the tools needed to play a pivotal role in the Rams’ promotion chase.

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By signing Rivaldo Coetzee, Lampard’s Derby would pull off a shrewd move which could potentially boost their promotion chances.