Derby County are close to finalizing a deal to sign Jacob Widell Zetterstrom from Swedish club Djurgardens, ending their search for a new goalkeeper. 

The Rams have been in the market for a new number one since Joe Wildsmith left the club as a free agent this summer.

While Josh Vickers has played under Paul Warne, the transfer window has seen various links to potential new goalkeepers. Marek Rodak and Daniel Iversen were both mentioned as potential targets for Derby. However, it seems the club is moving forward with a deal from abroad, with reports suggesting Derby have agreed to terms with Djurgardens for Zetterstrom’s transfer.

The club’s sporting director has indicated that Zetterstrom is expected to join Derby, effectively confirming the move. However, there is a minor delay as the 26-year-old is currently engaged in Djurgardens’ Europa Conference League qualifiers.

Zetterstrom’s Performance in Djurgardens vs FC Progres

Zetterstrom started as Djurgardens faced FC Progres from Luxembourg in the first leg of the Europa Conference League second qualifying round on Thursday. Gustav Wikheim scored first, followed by Deniz Hummet’s brace, leading to a 3-0 victory before the away leg.

Despite Djurgardens’ dominance, Derby fans will be keen to see how their potential new goalkeeper performed. Here are three observations from the match:

1. Frame

Zetterstrom wasn’t heavily tested during the game due to his team’s control, but he made an impressive save when needed. An effort from outside the box seemed headed for the top-right corner, but Zetterstrom executed an acrobatic save to maintain a clean sheet. His significant height of approximately six feet six inches was crucial for reaching and stopping the difficult shot.

2. Distribution

Another important aspect is Zetterstrom’s distribution choices, as he frequently opted for long kicks. While these longer passes were often accurate in reaching his teammates, they weren’t always precise enough to ensure the best chance for a flick-on. At times, shorter passes could have helped retain possession and build up another attack.

Nevertheless, Zetterstrom is capable of playing shorter passes and rolling the ball to his defenders, as seen in several instances. For the upcoming season, Derby will need versatility in their play, with Warne aiming to keep the opposition uncertain by varying his tactics.

3. Personality

Beyond their on-field skills, the personalities of players are crucial. Having the right personalities in the dressing room and on the pitch can significantly impact results. Zetterstrom certainly brings a vibrant personality, exemplified by his enthusiastic celebration running the length of the pitch after Djurgardens scored a third goal. Such character is highly valued in a dressing room, and Warne, who emphasizes managing people as well as players, will appreciate this trait.