Former Sheffield Wednesday and England defender Andy Hinchcliffe has suggested that Derby County midfielder Bradley Johnson is one of the best players in the Championship.
The Rams broke their transfer record when they paid £6m to Norwich City on the final day of the transfer window for the 28-year-old, who had helped the Canaries win promotion to the Premier League last season.
Hinchcliffe has said that Johnson has quickly established himself as an important member of the Derby side.
"He was bought on transfer deadline day and Derby spent a lot of money - £6m - but Bradley Johnson has been the most influential player out of all those they've signed," the Derby Telegraph quotes him as saying.
"It was a bit of a surprise to me that Norwich let him go because he was instrumental last season in helping them get promoted. You can see why - once, perhaps they knew he was on the market - Derby steamed in and snapped him up.
"He's got experience, he's got a wonderful left foot, he's competitive, and he scores and makes goals. He fits Derby's mould really well. The way they want to play, the system they operate in midfield, he fits that perfectly. He's been fantastic since he's been there."
Johnson has scored twice in 11 appearances for Derby.
Steven Toplis
