John Eustace explains Derby County plan for Kenzo Goudmijn as midfielder makes Go Ahead Eagles debut

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Getting squad balance right is a challenge that every manager faces in every transfer window, and for John Eustace at Derby County, that is no different.

The Rams made 13 signings in the summer, and they were one of the Championship’s highest spenders. A slow start to the season was frustrating, but now the team looks a lot stronger and they picked up their first win of the campaign on Saturday against West Brom.

Matt Clarke starred for the East Midlands outfit at The Hawthorns, while Lewis Travis captained the side for the first time. Yet, there has been one missing face from the team in 2025/26.

Kenzo Goudmijn joined Dutch club Go Ahead Eagles on loan on deadline day in the Dutch transfer window, and Eustace has now explained where he stands in the pecking order at Derby in the future.

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John Eustace opens up on where Kenzo Goudmijn’s Derby County future lies

It’s been a difficult year for the midfielder at Pride Park, and a move away this summer was the best for all parties as he returns to his homeland.

However, it may not be over for Goudmijn at Derby, with the 23-year-old’s contract not expiring until 2028 and Eustace has spoken out on the decision to send him on loan.

He said (via: Derbyshire Live): “Kenzo wasn’t as involved as much as he wanted to be last season. We also gave him an opportunity in pre-season, and that’s football.

“It’s part of making difficult decisions as a head coach, and for me, it’s just trying to get the right blend of players in the squad that I think are going to be competitive over 46 games in a Championship season.

“I just felt that it was the right move for him to go away and get some game time. He’s only gone on loan, so he’s still got another two years left here. Let’s see how he gets on and reassess it at the end of the season.”

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How Kenzo Goudmijn got on for Go Ahead Eagles on his debut

There was success for both Derby and Goudmijn at the weekend, as the midfielder made his debut for Go Ahead Eagles in the Eredivisie.

He played 67 minutes of Go Ahead Eagles’ 3-0 win over FC Volendam on Saturday, although he found it tough to get into the game as he was played out of position on the right wing.

He had just one shot, which was saved, failing to create any chances for his teammates, with just 68% of his passes finding the mark. Nevertheless, Goudmijn needs time to get settled at his new club, and playing in a more natural central position will help him.

However, a continuation of this form may lead Eustace to just one decision come the end of the campaign, and the 23-year-old may have played his final Derby game already.