26 Lee Buchanan

Lee Buchanan is one of many Academy graduates to have made the step-up from the youth ranks at Derby County and into the first-team set-up.

The left-sided defender, who can play at left-back or centre-back, was part of Derby’s Under-18 side that was named as National Champions during the 2018/19 season.

He was also named as an unused substitute for the Rams’ first-team in January 2019, in a 2-1 home win over Reading, as a reward for his progress at Under-18 and Under-23 level.

After impressing ahead of the 2019/20 season in training, he was rewarded with the opportunity to showcase his talent further.

He made his professional bow in a Carabao Cup First Round victory at Scunthorpe United in August 2019 - and he marked the occasion with a stunning goal at Glanford Park in a 1-0 win.

Buchanan made a handful of appearances during the campaign, mostly continuing his progress with the Under-23s, and he also gained international honours for England at Under-19 level during the campaign.

Buchanan, who joined the Academy at Under-14 level, enjoyed his breakthrough year during the 2020/21 campaign. He became the club's first-choice left back for large parts of the campaign and chipped in with four assists in all competitions.

His form for Derby earned him plaudits on the international stage as he earned a maiden call up to England's Under-21s squad. He featured twice under former boss Aidy Boothroyd.

Following his impressive rise, Buchanan was named as the Sammy Crooks Young Player of the Season for the 2020/21 campaign.