One Derby County man may thrive in a slightly altered position for the Rams as they look for an up-turn in form.
Derby County have now gone four games without a win, and they are also yet to pick up three points on their travels in the 2024/25 Championship season, something that is a clear issue at the moment for Paul Warne.
The Rams have simply not been able to replicate their Pride Park performances whilst playing away from home, and the first half showing against Stoke City at the weekend was a clear example of that.
Whilst it was an improved second half showing, which was partly inspired by a solid performance by Callum Elder at full-back, Derby County still lost out by the end after it ended 2-1.
Kenzo Goudmijn’s appearance from off the bench also made a difference in the second half, and it is clear that his abilities could certainly be better utilised by Warne for the Rams’ upcoming away games.
Derby County star Kenzo Goudmijn should be utilised in more advanced position for away games
Goudmijn has been one of Derby County’s shining lights so far in the 2024/25 Championship campaign, starting every game except for the most recent against Stoke City. His presence in the centre-of-the-park was certainly missed, particularly for his attacking qualities.
Particularly in home games, the Dutch midfielder has been ‘outstanding’, bagging two goals at Pride Park, where Warne more often looks to utilise him slightly further forward as an attacking-midfielder.
His abilities have been slightly more limited for Derby County on their travels, and that could easily be something to do with him being forced to be a slightly deeper role in away games.
Paul Warne formation change could be sign for Kenzo Goudmijn to be played further forward
The Derby County manager has not quite been proactive when it comes to making changes in regards to his side’s set-up, particularly when it has been obvious that something needs to be altered in order for his side to be somewhat more sharp on the attack.
However, the recent move by the Rams boss to change up the formation could be a sign that he will likely bring Goudmijn back in, and utilise him slightly further forward, as he has done successfully in home games.
The Dutch 22-year-old clearly has brilliant qualities in regards to his attacking capabilities, and him playing more defensively appears to waste that, the sooner Warne realises that, the quicker he will be able to turn his side’s away form around.