Derby County announced the signing of Dutch midfielder Kenzo Goudmijn on Wednesday, but there may be some concern that he could follow in the footsteps of previous Dutch players who struggled at the club.
Goudmijn, 22, has signed a four-year deal with Derby, with reports indicating that the club paid £600,000 to AZ Alkmaar. This makes him Derby’s fifth summer signing, following the arrivals of Ben Osborn, Jerry Yates, and Kayden Jackson, while Corey Blackett-Taylor’s loan move was made permanent earlier in the summer. Initially linked with a move to England by AZAlerts in late June, Goudmijn brings excitement to the Rams as they prepare for a pre-season friendly against Stockport County in Spain on July 19 and a training camp that week.
This period will provide Goudmijn with ample time to integrate with his new teammates as Derby embarks on their first Championship season in two years, starting with an away game at Blackburn Rovers. However, the team may be wary of past experiences with Dutch players like Mike te Wierik and Florian Jozefzoon.
Derby’s Dutch Disappointments
Despite the buzz around Goudmijn, Derby’s history with Dutch players has been less than stellar. Mike te Wierik joined in 2020, and Florian Jozefzoon arrived from Brentford in 2018 under Frank Lampard.
Te Wierik signed a pre-contract agreement in February 2020, with hopes that his physical presence would boost Derby’s playoff push under Philip Cocu. However, after playing in the season’s opening games, he struggled with the Championship’s pace. Following a red card in his third match, te Wierik was suspended and only played three more times before being moved on in January 2021.
Jozefzoon, despite having experience in the Championship, was overshadowed by Derby’s other wingers, including Harry Wilson, Tom Lawrence, and Duane Holmes. His most notable contribution was an equalizer in a comeback win against Norwich City in December 2018. However, he never lived up to his £2.75 million fee and was eventually loaned to Rotherham United before being sold to Quevilly Rouen Metropole.
Goudmijn’s Potential to Shine
In contrast to Derby’s recent Dutch disappointments, Goudmijn has the potential to become a star at Pride Park. He impressed at Excelsior Rotterdam, playing a crucial role in their relegation play-off campaign. In his first interview with RamsTV, Derby’s in-house media, the 22-year-old described his playing style: “I’m a midfielder, I think I’m very good on the ball and technical. I can pass the ball really well, and also dribble. I’m very passionate and don’t like to lose. I like to create chances. If it’s not for myself, then for my teammates.”
Goudmijn completed 49 dribbles in the Eredivisie last season, the most of anyone in his position, an asset welcomed by Paul Warne, who encourages his players to run at defenders. With Ebou Adams also set to join Derby, the Rams’ midfield is shaping up with potentially promising results.
