Rams target Kenzo has ‘exceptional vision’ in midfield
GOUDMIJN COULD GIVE HEAD COACH WARNE FLEXIBILITY AS HE PLOTS FOR SECOND TIER
DERBY County have made a solid start to their transfer business after making three signings in the space of a week as they prepare for their return to the Championship.
But one intriguing area of the pitch is the centre of midfield. The Rams already have Ben Osborn who can play wing-back or in the engine room but there is still scope for plenty of additions.
One player who has been linked with the club is AZ Alkmaar’s Kenzo Goudmijn, who was playing for Excelsior on loan last season.
Reports in the Dutch press have linked him to the Rams and here we take a deep dive into the player who could be heading to Pride Park Stadium.
■ Who is he?
Born in Hoorn, Goudmijn played in the youth teams of VV Reiger Boys and Jong AZ, the latter being the club’s second team.
And it was for Jong AZ where he made his debut in the Dutch first division in 2018, in a 4-1 home win against Almere.
He scored his first professional goal against MVV Maastricht in April later that year and made his full AZ debut in May 2019.
He went on as a substitute 10 minutes before the end of the Eredivisie away match against Excelsior, which Alkmaar lost 4-2.
He has also had spells in Sparta Rotterdam and Excelsior, both on loan.
■ A player with exceptional vision
The 22-year-old was deployed in a holding midfield role in a double pivot during his time at Excelsior but he was also utilised in a more attacking position.
He has the ability to play in a number eight role as well as a six – positions that the Rams are looking to fill this summer.
Aspiring football analyst Greg Spires did a deep dive into his performances from January until June.
And he wrote: “He was mostly utilised in a defensive midfield doublepivot alongside Julian Baas in a 4-23-1 formation but also featured in a more attacking role just ahead of the double-pivot in a three-man midfield when they played more of a 4-2-1-3 style.
“He also featured once or twice in the left midfield position in a 4-2-31/4-3-3 formation.
When in possession, Baas bombed forward more often and Excelsior had five, or even six, in attack, with Goudmijn holding the central area of the pitch alongside one of his fullbacks. “He has exceptional vision and was able to play several long, direct passes behind the full-back for his winger to run on to – often hitting them in stride with wonderful weighting.
“Goudmijn passes with good velocity, able to find feet with zipped passes or engage in more delicate combination plays down the righthand side of midfield.
“He displayed the capability to hit different types of passes accurately, and in a plethora of scenarios, with good technique.”
■ On Van Persie’s radar
SC Heerenveen head coach Robin van Persie, the former Manchester United and Arsenal striker, was linked with a move for Goudmijn last month.
Reports in the Dutch press claimed the 22-year-old held talks over a move after impressing during his time at Excelsior.
According to reports from Dutch sports website vi.nl, Heerenveen, who play in the Dutch top flight, were then due to hold talks with AZ Alkmaar where Goudmijn’s father, Kenneth, is on the coaching staff.
Nothing has since come of it. Excelsior had the right to carry on his loan next season but because they were relegated that option is now off the table.
Reports in Holland now say he is destined for Derby County.
■ Where would he fit in at Derby?
A good question because as we have mentioned he is quite versatile. He can play as a holding midfielder or an attacking role.
Rams head coach Paul Warne has liked his midfielders to be able to play either as a holding midfielder or as an eight.
We saw Ebou Adams play further up the pitch in some games in the final stages of the season, while he was also deployed as a sitter. Goudmijn, by all accounts, can do both so it does give Warne flexibility.