Derby County succumbed to their fifth loss of the season on Tuesday night against Sunderland and Paul Warne was guilty of playing one player in the completely wrong role.
Derby were beaten 2-0 by Sunderland at the Stadium of Light as their winless run away from home in the Championship continued.
The Rams started brightly in the opening exchanges of the match but once the Black Cats took control, there was only going to be one winner.
Jobe Bellingham set the hosts on their way as his crisp strike beat Jacob Widell Zetterstrom before Wilson Isidor doubled their lead early into the second half.
Paul Warne criticised Derby’s lack of quality in the final third and their failure to create a few cutting edge chances, with only one or two players deserving of praise after the ninety minutes.
- READ MORE: Paul Warne singles out clear Derby County problem in ‘disappointing’ verdict after Sunderland defeat
Paul Warne played Kenzo Goudmijn in the wrong role vs Sunderland
Derby completed the permanent signing of midfielder Kenzo Goudmijn from AZ Alkmaar in the summer, and the 22-year-old has since played a vital role in the Championship.
Callum Elder lauded Goudmijn as ‘terrific’ in the win over Cardiff City last month as the Dutchman scored the only goal of the game.
It took the talented playmaker a few matches to get up to speed with English football but he’s now showcasing his quality on the ball, namely his excellent long-range passes, while his appetite to win possession back.
Goudmijn continued his promising form in the 2-0 defeat against Sunderland. Operating in a deep-lying midfield role alongside Ebou Adams, the former Netherlands under-19 international made three key passes, completed two successful dribbles and won four ground duels.
From a deeper midfield role in Warne’s three-at-the-back system, the young midfielder made a huge impact but he should have been deployed higher up the pitch.
Indeed, playing Goudmijn as an attacking midfielder just behind Jerry Yates could have given Derby the quality they needed in the final third.
- READ MORE: Shaun Barker thinks one Derby County star now looks like ‘a different player’ under Paul Warne
Kenzo Goudmijn will be key to Championship survival
Derby’s defeat at the Stadium of Light was their third in a row, and while they currently sit 13th in the table, only four points separate them from 22nd-place Preston.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 10 |  NorwichNorwich | 8 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 12 | 10 | 2 | 12 |
| 11 |  SwanseaSwansea | 7 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 11 |
| 12 |  Oxford UnitedOxford United | 8 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 12 | 10 | 2 | 11 |
| 13 |  DerbyDerby | 8 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 10 | 12 | -2 | 9 |
| 14 |  Bristol CityBristol City | 7 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 9 | 13 | -4 | 9 |
| 15 |  MillwallMillwall | 8 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 12 | 11 | 1 | 8 |
The Rams have made a solid start on their return to the Championship however, recent form suggests it’s going to be a long season and a relegation battle could be on the cards.
That is where Warne needs his big players to stand up and be counted, with Goudmijn undoubtedly one of those individuals.
Goudmijn’s ability to transition play from defence to attack with neat, intricate passes will play a crucial role in any success they have.
Still only 22, the Dutch playmaker has plenty of time to develop into the finished article, with his performances so far no doubt attracting attention for all the right reasons.