Clement: "I'm Pleased With The Players"

Paul Clement felt that there were plenty of positives to take away from Derby County’s 3-2 friendly over FC Utrecht on Friday afternoon.

Paul Clement felt that there were plenty of positives to take away from Derby County’s 3-2 friendly over FC Utrecht on Friday afternoon.

In the final game of Derby’s pre-season tour of Holland, Clement’s side overcame the Dutch top flight outfit in a thrilling match at Utrecht’s training complex.

Ryan Shotton, Johnny Russell and Will Hughes all got on the scoresheet and Clement was satisfied with what he saw from his side.

Clement was pleased with the way Derby reacted to a difficult start to the game, with the hosts enjoying the better of the early exchanges and taking the lead after 14 minutes.

However, the Rams grew into the game and controlled the latter stages of the first half and the majority of the second period.

He told Rams Player HD: “I’m pleased, particularly with the first 30 minutes of the second half.

“In the first half I think we showed Utrecht too much respect and gave them too much time and space.

“There were some tactical issues today – the two formations coming up against each other – and they probably had the better of the possession in the first half.

“They didn’t really hurt us with that, other that the goal, which was a good interchange and move.

“However, we showed a positive response and the equaliser gave us a lot of confidence and belief going in at half time.

“I asked the players to get on the front foot more in the second half, press higher up the pitch and be aggressive in the defending.

“We certainly did that and we dominated for the next 30 minutes and we deserved to go into the 3-1 lead.

“We could have had a nervous ending at 3-2 but we took total control again and finished the job off.”

He added: “We’ve used the diamond formation for two games and had about a week of training on it but the players have responded well to that shape, which I am sure we will use at some point in the season.”

Shotton and Russell’s goals were both headers from Tom Ince corners.

Clement has highlighted the importance of scoring from set-plays and in particular was pleased with Russell’s clever finish at the near post just after half-time.

He said: “The delivery was really good for both goals and set-plays are important.

“You expect your centre-backs to come up with a few goals and Ryan Shotton did that with his header.

“Johnny Russell also got one with a smart run at the front post, which shows it isn’t all about size and strength at set-plays.

“It’s about clever movement and being brave – and he certainly showed that.”

The standout goal of the game came from Will Hughes, who thundered a left-foot volley into the net midway through the second half from distance.

Clement was not only impressed with the England Under 21 international’s goal, but also his performance.

He said: “The goal was superb from Will and I thought he did well today.

“He grew into the game and the finish showed the ability and talent that he has.

“If he can really harness the opportunity he is going to get then he’s going to be a big plus for us this season.”

Derby’s squad will return home from Holland on Saturday and continue their preparations for the new season on Monday, ahead of their final two friendly games against Villarreal (29th July) and Burton Albion (1st August) before the start of the 2015/16 season.