It’s the time of year again for heated debate over who deserves DCFC’s ‘Player Of The Year’. Last year it was pretty clear that Will Hughes deserved the title but this year I’m less sure of who I would pick.

In terms of consistency you can’t fault Stephen Warnock’s contribution to the Rams cause this season, even if has now left on loan.

At the back Jason Shackell is credited with helping the defence settle down but it is Richard Keogh whose season has been most striking after looking down and out in the summer.

Indeed, at the start of the season I felt Keogh moving on to another club would have been the best thing for both him and the club — how wrong was I? To regain the captaincy (which seems to have been passed from pillar to post this season!) is testament to his season of being the steel at the heart of the Derby defence.

Also, let’s not forget Cyrus Christie, another who looked down and out after a massively disappointing end to the last campaign. It didn’t take long for him to look much stronger defensively and cause trouble going forward. Look at some of his crosses too, much better!

One striking thing about the aforementioned names is that they’re all defenders. The Rams have conceded the fourth fewest amount of goals (38, an average of less than 1 goal a game) in the division so far this season. Clearly the defence is in much better shape than the chaos of 12 months ago.

Scott Carson has been exceptional all season, playing a big part in the success story of a much tighter back four. His excellent saves, communication and experience bring a lot to the team.

Consistency is where Chris Martin fails for this year’s award as he went for a long period without scoring and lacking his usual sharpness.

Also in attack Tom Ince isn’t a bad shout, although he probably hasn’t done enough over the whole season to be a top contender.

There aren’t as many POTY options in central midfield, maybe with the exception of Jacob Butterfield who has showed what he can do with some wonderful strikes and neat footwork.

George Thorne’s season has been a bit stop and start with niggling injuries.

Craig Bryson has recently been on fire, if only he didn’t pick up an injury on the opening day of the season as he would definitely have been in the running had he been on the pitch.

On balance I would go with Scott Carson this season. He has been a consistent, safe pair of hands and unlike his predecessor, has not really had a shocker between the sticks this campaign.

Not bad for a free signing!

We would love to get your thoughts on who deserves the POTY award - vote below for the Ram you believe has contributed most to the cause in 2015 / 16.

For more of Nathan's articles you can read his blog at www.derbycountyfan.com and follow him via @ramscorner on Twitter.

Photo: Action Images

Derby County Polls