One Derby County player may thrive in a slightly different role for the Rams as they aim for a turnaround in form.
Derby County have now gone four games without a win, and they have failed to pick up three points on their travels in the 2024/25 Championship season, which is a major concern for Paul Warne.
The Rams have simply been unable to repeat their Pride Park performances away from home, as evidenced by their first-half effort against Stoke City this weekend.
While Derby County improved in the second half, thanks in part to a strong effort by full-back Callum Elder, they still lost 2-1.
Kenzo Goudmijn’s presence off the bench made a difference in the second half, and it is evident that Warne might make better use of his ability in the Rams’ upcoming road games.
Derby County star Kenzo Goudmijn should be utilised in more advanced position for away games
Goudmijn has been one of Derby County’s bright spots so far in the 2024/25 Championship season, starting every game except the most recent against Stoke City. His presence in the center of the park was obviously missed, especially given his attacking abilities.
The Dutch midfielder has been ‘excellent’ at home, scoring twice at Pride Park, where Warne prefers to play him somewhat more forward as an offensive midfielder.
His abilities have been slightly limited for Derby County on the road, which could be attributed to him being forced to play a 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 been as proactive in making adjustments to his side’s setup, especially when it is clear that something needs to be changed in order for his team to be more sharp on the attack.
However, the Rams manager’s recent decision to modify up the formation could indicate that he will likely bring Goudmijn back in and use him somewhat farther forward, as he has done well in home games.
The Dutch 22-year-old certainly has fantastic attacking ability, and playing more conservatively appears to waste them; the sooner Warne recognizes this, the sooner he will be able to improve his side’s away record.
