Is This Striker Going Under The Radar For The Best In The Championship?

One Of The Best

The Championship season is well under way, and there have been many surprises so far. But one surprise has been oh so pleasant for Derby County supporters as their new man netted a hat-trick against Sheffield United yesterday. That man is Carlton Morris. The 6ft 1 striker has been making a name for himself this season after being a consistent threat up front and also leading by example after being named yesterday's captain by Derby legend John Eustace. His presence has been long felt, but this season he is really making a name for himself. He also has his name written in the history books, after scoring Luton Town's first ever Premier League goal in the 2023/24 season. The 29-year-old is in his prime and it is showing.

The Stats So Far

After his arrival this season for an undisclosed fee, Championship fans were somewhat confused by his decision to join Derby. There was no doubting his goal-scoring abilities, but Derby struggled last season and were on the very brink of relegation. However, Morris decided to join The Rams and so far it is proving a smart decision. This season Morris has netted an impressive 8 goals in 13 games. If he carries on his current goal-scoring form then he is projected to hit the 20 mark by the end of the season, and not for the first time. Statistically he is also in the top 3 strikers for league goals scored and expected goals per 90.

Carlton Morris with his first career hat-trick for Derby County...

Music from the restart after half-time was still playing at Bramall Lane when he scored his second! 😬 pic.twitter.com/P4rJ5xeNHP

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) November 1, 2025

His Competition

While Morris is in top form, his competition remains stiff with Coventry's Brandon Thomas-Asante (9 goals) and Haji Wright (8 goals). Even looking at their names puts fear into the hearts of Championship fans as they form one of the most dangerous attacking duos in the league. Kieffer Moore, who also recently netted a hattrick, and Oli McBurnie are similar players to Morris with hold up play and height. The both of them have played well and scored important goals for their respective teams this season.

However, Morris' game is a lot more than just goals, as his strong, athletic frame allows him to hold the ball off from defenders and involve his teammates, but also making runs in behind the defence. His pressing abilities are also top notch, which is impressive considering his height and frame. He quite literally defines leading from the front and by example when he serves as captain, which elevates him from just a goal scorer to a goal-scoring leader. His hat-trick against Sheffield United proved his attacking prowess with a bullet header and a calm, composed chip. The penalty was the icing on the cake.

Seen By Little, Loved By Many

Us here at Football Park aren't the only ones singing his praises. Derby fans have a lot of kind words to say about him. One fan on X labelled Morris as "Derby's best striker in the last 20 years". That is some top-tier praise considering how much Chris Martin meant to the club and also how many goals he scored in his time at Derby. Recency bias does always come into play, especially within football. But Morris does have Championship fans gutted that their sides didn't sign him last summer.

Morris doesn't only have Derby fans licking their lips but has Luton Town fans wishing they kept their former number 9. It has been a tough couple of years for Luton fans after suffering back-to-back relegations but it could be deemed unworthy to label Morris as the sole culprit. One Luton fan has been eating his past words on X when he said: "Hope Carlton Morris is enjoying his start at the ‘bigger’ club he moved to." It is pretty clear to see he is very much enjoying life at Derby.

How did other clubs miss Carlton Morris? The best value signing of the summer in the Championship. Derby's best centre forward in more than 20 years. #dcfc

— Nigel Owen 🐏 (@NigelOwen77) November 1, 2025

What's Next?

Having won 3 on the bounce, Derby fans are hoping their good form can continue to push towards the top half of the table. In Morris' case, he remains the spearhead of Derby's attack and will hope he can continue his goalscoring form. Could a playoff push be likely? It is too soon to tell, but with Morris up top and his experience in the Championship, Derby fans should be excited as their man is one of the best strikers in the league.