Derby County seem to have a serious prospect on their hands in the form of Dajaune Brown, with the youngster excelling during his loan spell with National League side Gateshead.
Since joining the Head on loan in January, Brown has really put his name on the map, and certainly looks like a player to watch for the future. The 18-year-old would bag six goals in just 18 appearances during his stint in the National League, and has gained plenty of attention as a result.
It’s a move which has worked out well for both Derby as well as Brown, allowing the player to develop in the senior game before returning to his parent club this summer. The young striker has already made two League One appearances off of the bench for the senior side, but the move to the National League outfit has significantly helped his progression.
It would be the youngster’s penalty which would win the FA Trophy shootout against Solihull Moors to cap off a brilliant loan spell. Gateshead may have been left wanting more from the season however after being denied a play-off spot based off of ground regulations but will still be proud of their achievements.
It’s unknown what the next step for Brown will be after his performances this season. He may find it harder to break into the Derby side due to their promotion to the Championship but then again, he has proven his promise during his loan spell and could be a serious asset.
As a result of his positive showing whilst on loan in the National League, there are questions as to just how high Brown can go.
BBC Radio Newcastle’s Matthew Raisbeck, spoke extremely favourably about the youngster on the Everything is Black and White – a Newcastle United podcast, suggesting that the club should be looking to pursue Brown this summer.
“He’s played a couple of times for Derby’s first team but I watch Gateshead a lot and I have never seen anybody like him at 18. Now I know it’s the fifth tier but he has played in League One and Derby think a lot of him.
“I’m just wondering whether Newcastle would maybe go down that route because if you think about the under-21s at Newcastle there aren’t too many who are knocking on the door.”
Given his age, Brown should only get better in years to come and has already proven his promise in the senior game. He’ll be a wanted man this summer, but Derby will know that he’s one for the future and will not let him go easily.
Perhaps another loan spell, this time in the EFL, would be the best move for Brown but then again, next year could bring absolutely anything for the youngster.
Writer’s View
It comes as no surprise to see Brown rightly getting the credit he deserves but maybe this summer is too soon for the youngster to make a Premier League move.
It would be far more beneficial for him to stay in the senior game rather than in under-21 football and he’s already displayed his readiness. It must be remembered that he is only 18 and nothing can be rushed, but he does seem to be a rather exciting asset that Derby have on their hands.
Perhaps he could even be in the plans next season at Pride Park off the back of his time with Gateshead and despite the Championship being a significant step-up, the sky is the limit currently.
