Shaun Barker has hailed Derby County new boy Kenzo Goudmijn for his technical abilities, but believes that the player needs to work on his fitness.
Derby signed the 22-year-old midfielder from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in the summer and the player has started all nine games for the Rams.
On Saturday, he helped Derby register a 2-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers to end their three game winless run.
Barker thinks Goudmijn was a standout performer in the weekend’s game and hailed the player for his technical abilities.
The ex-Derby star also pointed out that unlike previous seasons where the Rams were a less technical side, this season Paul Warne is introducing players like Goudmijn into his squad, who are able to control the ball.
However, Barker pointed out that fitness is an area where the 20-year-old will need to work more.
“When we are talking about a team that has gone from, no disrespect, not as technical over the last couple of years with Paul and being a little bit more direct, being a bit more passionate, a bit more aggressive, he started to introduce players that can handle the ball and Kenzo Goudmijn is a perfect example”, Barker told Rams TV.
“I thought he was tired [during the second half] and he needs to get up to speed in those last 20, 30 minutes.
“But his technical ability is class and I thought he stood above everyone else even though there were some exceptional performances out there.”
Goudmijn has been impressive for Derby so far and Warne will be hoping that the midfielder will be able to maintain his form after the international break.
