Confirmed Derby County summer signing Mike te Wierik had an interesting game for FC Groningen as he gave away two penalties in a 2-1 win at Sparta Rotterdam.
The 27-year-old was a target for Derby during the January transfer window.
The Rams failed to convince the Dutch club to sell him ahead of the deadline.
Te Wierik’s contract situation, however, meant he could still hold talks over a move to Pride Park and he has since penned a pre-contract agreement ahead of the summer.
The central defender will remain at Groningen and help the club in their push for a European spot. And they racked up another impressive win at Sparta.
MORE DERBY STORIES
But it didn’t come without incident with te Wierik in the thick of the action.
The central defender first fouled Jeffry Fortes to concede a penalty. Fortunately for him, goalkeeper Sergio Padt kept out Mohamed Rayhi’s ensuing spot-kick.
Groningen took a 2-0 lead. However, four minutes after the break and another te Wierik foul lead to Sparta’s second penalty. This time, Rayhi converted.
Groningen held on to win 2-1, pushing them up to seventh in the Eredivisie table.
On the ball, te Wierik had another polished afternoon, posting an 85.2% pass-accuracy rate. Defensively, he had a nightmare, failing to register a single tackle won.
Derby will be hoping it was just an off game for their confirmed summer signing. The Rams have been shady at the back all season, and they need a new calm figure.
Also see: Manager says Derby tried to sign player who Palace later reportedly bid £20m for
Also see: Derby and Forest reportedly keen to sign ‘leader of men’ with expiring contract