Are we viewing Jason Knight through green tinted glasses?
Jason Knight kicked off his domestic campaign against Oxford United in the familiar surroundings of Pride Park but unfamiliar territory of League One….and at right-back
Still only 21, the Dubliner played his 120th senior game for The Rams which exceeds the CV’s of many players his age. He is a player who is comfortable on the ball with the ability to drive forward with surging runs, cope and create in tight situations and in addition to all of that, is physically excellent possessing plenty of bite. Knight is a busy yet technically sound player and the type of midfielder Irish fans have been deprived of for years.
His comfort at international level despite his age had many wondering what club he would depart relegated Derby for this summer. In January, the likes of Crystal Palace, Leeds and even Manchester City were rumoured to be monitoring Knight. Some felt he would suit the all action, hard-pressing game of Leeds in particular. Relegated Burnley were also said to be interested and might still be considered frontrunners to sign him should he depart before the summer is out.
However, no move has yet materialised and despite the shock of many Irish fans and media outlets, it is also understandable in some regards. Despite some impressive performances for his country where most Irish fans have seen Knight on display, it is worth noting that he was in and out of the Derby side towards the end of their failed survival push and did show inconsistencies for the club last season. Recently, he has been played out of position at right-back, although he has been played in several different positions for club and country.
In regards to his Ireland performances, have they been comfortable? yes. Has he shown quality? yes. Has he dominated games? no. Has he looked like the best player on the pitch in any game? probably not. Ireland have lacked technically gifted midfielders for years and now that a player like Knight is a regular, it is a luxury to see a player in green use the ball so well. However, there is still an evidential rawness to his game which although is understandable for his age, is perhaps a barrier between him and the Premier League move many expected him to make.
For every Jason Knight, there is an array of midfielders on the radar of Premier league clubs who are still a level beyond him. For example, one club he was linked with Leeds, signed three midfielders this summer, Marc Rocca from Bayern Munich and American duo Tyler Adams and Brendan Aaronson from RB Leipzip and Salzburg respectively. All three have Champions League experience with Aaronson, who is also 21 and a similar player style wise to Knight holding 8 more caps and 5 more goals than the Irishman at international level.
This is not to undermine Knight’s evidential quality. He is still only 21, has undoubted quality and is certainly not the finished article. German side Werder Breman were also mentioned as potential suitors but the concern about an immediate ‘big move’ would be Knight’s access to game time. A Championship move is probably the next step for Knight but despite the perception of many Irish fans, he may not be guaranteed a start there either, at least not initially.
The reality is, Knight is not even getting a game in his preferred position and the focus for him needs to be continuing his fantastic development by getting games domestically, nail down a position and continue to perform for Ireland. He has more experience than many players his age and is on course to develop into a really top player. However, patience and context will be key for Ireland fans while he works his way to the top.
Nick, The Green Machíne Podcast
