He got off to a good start, scoring twice in his first five league appearances in England as the Rams rebounded from their relegation. However, as the rest of the team’s form declined, so did Goudmijn’s, and when Warne was fired and replaced by Eustace, he struggled to break into the starting XI since the former Blackburn manager used a 5-3-2 configuration. The outstanding form of Everton loanee Harrison Armstrong, who Derby want to see return, as well as Ebou Adams’ leadership and Liam Thompson’s grit, made the midfield three difficult to divide, forcing the Rams to disregard their £690k summer signing.

A change of formation can revitalise Kenzo Goudmijn’s Rams career.

With the Rams still to secure a deal this summer, fans should expect a frenzy of activity in the transfer market before their pre-season trip to Austria in July. Wingers are needed at Pride Park, and if Eustace can bring them in, he will be able to return to the 4-2-3-1 configuration that has worked him so well throughout his career.

This also favours Goudmijn, who played his finest football in black and white when he was in a more advanced role. It allowed him to play forward rather than sideways, and he shown on several occasions his ability to easily defeat a defender, whether through dribbling or passing. There is a player in there for Eustace to unlock, and playing in a framework that allows him to carry the ball forward can only help the 23-year-old as the Dutch midfielder approaches the second year of his four-year contract.

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