Paul Warne’s baffling decision highlighted after Derby County star’s ‘quiet’ Oxford United display

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Derby County extended their unbeaten run in the Championship to three matches by clinching an away draw against Oxford United.

The Rams went into this one on the back of a win over QPR and a point at Millwall, seeing them sit 12th in the Championship table.

Paul Warne’s men didn’t enjoy the best first half against Oxford, as Dane Scarlett put the hosts in front with a fine finish.

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing then equalised for the visitors, netting his first of the season, but neither side could find a winner.

While Derby settled for a decent point, Warne was hit with a crushing blow to Ryan Nyambe, who is facing four to six months sidelined with a knee injury.

Nyambe’s latest long-term injury wasn’t the only negative to come from the draw at Oxford, however, as Warne made one baffling tactical decision.

• READ MORE: Five things we learned from Derby County’s draw with Oxford including Nathaniel Mendez-Laing debate

Paul Warne used Kenzo Goudmijn wrong vs Oxford United

Derby failed to land any blows on the Oxford goal during the first half as Warne complained at the Rams’ lack of positivity on the ball.

One reason for their lack of threat, particularly in the first period, was because playmaker Kenzo Goudmijn was utilised in a deep-lying role.

The Dutchman has been an impressive performer for the Rams but playing in a deeper role limited his involvement in the match.

As per Sofascore, Goudmijn touched the ball fewer times than goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom and completed just 65% of his passes while failing to make a single key pass or create a big chance.

Derbyshire Live noticed his below-par performance and handed him a 4.5/10 match rating whilst citing him being used deeper as a reason why he was ‘quiet’.

Leigh Curtis wrote: “Played in a deeper role but he was quiet on the night and he gave the ball away a couple of times. Usually a lot sharper and tidier in possession. Wasn’t a surprise he was replaced and looked tired.”

Goudmijn was hooked off in the 56th minute and was replaced by Marcus Harness after a disappointing night.

• READ MORE: Derby County player ratings for Oxford United clash as two stars impress but several struggle in draw

Goudmijn must be used in attacking midfield

It isn’t the first time the 22-year-old has been on the periphery of the action in an away match, and Warne can resolve that issue by playing him higher.

The Derby boss sets up more defensively on his travels but with the protection of Ben Osborn and Ebou Adams, he can afford to play Goudmijn closer to the forward players.

Goudmijn has already showcased his excellent passing range since arriving in the summer and playing just behind or alongside Jerry Yates could see him have a greater impact in the final third.

With Derby set to host Hull and then visit Stoke City the following weekend, perhaps using the Dutchman as an attacking force would transform his recent misfortune.