Derby County fans got their first glimpse of midfield signing Kenzo Goudmijn during the opening pre-season game against Matlock Town.
The Rams kicked off their preparation for the Championship campaign with a fitness-building match against the local side.
Paul Warne’s side, who hadn’t even reached 11 versus 11 in training before the game, got their first minutes under their belt with two separate teams for each half.
Summer signing Kayden Jackson opened the scoring in the first half, before loan addition Jerry Yates found the back of the net after the break.
Liam Thompson’s strike from range was irresistible and wrapped up a 3-0 win for Derby to kickstart a month of hard work.
The Pride Park faithful also got a first look at Kenzo Goudmijn, who came into the game in the second half.
There are high hopes for the Dutch midfielder, who has shown glimpses of his quality in just a few minutes of action.
- READ MORE: Derby County confirmed signings, transfer ins and outs, loans and releases for 2024 summer window
Kenzo Goudmijn role hint for Derby
While Goudmijn was seen picking up space in midfield and dictating play for Derby, perhaps his most important role could be seen elsewhere.
The 22-year-old took on set-piece duties once he was on the pitch, taking corners on both the left and the right.
It’s a key responsibility for Warne, with the Derby boss drilling the importance of those opportunities into his players.
The Rams had the most set-piece goals in League One last season, with 25, with Opta recording just 18.88 Expected Goals [xG] leading to those finishes.
That alone shows how clinical the side were in putting those training drills from Moor Farm into practice.
However, with set-piece takers Conor Hourihane, Max Bird and Louie Sibley all moving on over the summer, there is a clear void in current options.
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing has previously shown an ability to step up for those duties, as well as Callum Elder, but adding Goudmijn to the list will bolster the options available.
It remains to be seen if the new signing can replicate the success that came before him, but there are some big boots to fill on corners and free-kicks.
Derby County transfer decisions
There are still plenty more decisions to be made over the summer transfer window, with Warne admitting that Derby are still looking to complete some more signings.
While another midfielder or two is expected – with former loanee Ebou Adams heavily linked – there are also plenty of chances to bolster the forward lines.
General quality will be important, but adding another set-piece specialist could prove to be a key decision this summer.
It remains to be seen exactly which names will be linked, but with just under four weeks until the start of the window, it looks set to heat up soon.