3/1 To Win
Kenzo Goudmijn admits Derby County will need to graft if they are to take three points away from home in the Sky Bet Championship.
Midfielder Goudmijn has started every game for Paul Warne’s Rams in the 2024/25 season since joining from AZ Alkmaar in the summer and has netted two goals in that time.
Derby took a well-earned three points in a 2-0 against Queens Park Rangers before the recent international break, their fourth win from five games at Pride Park Stadium in the league so far.
The Rams will be looking to carry that form on the road when they face Millwall at The Den on Saturday as they look to record their first away points of the season (3pm kick-off).
Goudmijn caught up with RamsTV ahead of the fixture to discuss the upcoming game and adjusting to life in the Championship and at Derby.
On going into the international break with a win against Queens Park Rangers...
We have had some difficult games leading up to QPR where we didn't get the win - so we knew it was a big three points. We were great in the game. That was not just in getting the three points, but also in the way we played. We were really happy to close off the period before the international break with a win.
On Curtis Nelson’s headed goal and the importance of set pieces for the team...
I was right behind him and I saw him go up in the air. Impossible! He just heads it like it's a normal shot, with so much power! It was a great header and a great goal. The first goal in a match is always important.
It always turns around the momentum for one team and we needed that and got the result, so we were really happy. If you look at the set-piece statistics, we come out very well.
When I came here I knew about last season’s set-piece record. It is something we pay a lot of attention to. I think it's a strong thing for us to have that can help you win matches.
On getting used to life in the Championship...
I feel like I've been settling in more and more; getting used to the level and getting used to the way it's played. I found my spot in the squad quite quickly; it's a really nice group so it was easy to settle into.
It's a physical league. The pace is really high. I've played at a high level before, but everywhere you play is different. I didn't need much time to get adjusted to the league and I enjoy the pace of the competition.
On upcoming opponents Millwall...
Millwall will bring the same as I expect every weekend. For me, opponents are less of a known quantity than others in the squad who know the league well. I go into every game just to win and play at my best, no matter the opponent.
I expect a good team that takes care of their shape well. Especially at home, every team in the Championship has that. It's going to be hard work to get a result. However, I feel good about where we are now as a team. I'm looking forward to getting back out on the pitch again.
