Bielik thrilled to open club account in special road trip
KRYSTIAN Bielik has been “excellent” since his return to the Derby County starting line-up but he is still some way from his peak, according to Rams interim manager Wayne Rooney.
Bielik scored his first goal for the Rams in the 4-0 rout of Birmingham City on Tuesday night.
The 22-year-old was sidelined for 10 months after suffering a serious knee injury but has ended 2020 on a high.
“His performances have been excellent over recent weeks,” said Rooney.
“I’m delighted for him. He’s getting better, he’s showing what a top player he is, and he will keep improving because he’s still a fairly young lad.”
Bielik wants the games to come thick and fast now as he makes up for lost time.
The fixture at St Andrew’s was his seventh straight start at the base of the Rams midfield after recovering from a cruciate ligament injury.
And while it’s a quick turnaround to the next game, with the Rams travelling to face Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow (5.30pm), Bielik wants as many matches as possible as he catches up on lost time.
“It is good to be back and I am really happy to get another 90 minutes under my belt,” the Poland international told Rams TV.
“I think my body feels well too, my knee recovered quicker than planned and I just can’t wait for another game.
“When you don’t play for 10 months, there are never too many games mes for you. I am really ally happy I am fit and I can help the team get more points.”
Bi elik’ s return has coincided with a fine run of form, with only one e defeat and only nly two goals conceded in the e last seven games for r the Rams.
And he was thrilled to get on the scoresheet against the Blues.
“It is a great three points,” he said. “I opened the scoring today. I have hha b been waiti ing in for quite a long l time for this t first goal so I am really happy for myself and an the team. Finally Fin we have got out from the bottom three so we will keep going and keep pushing.
“I am glad the goalkeeper made a mistake and I could use it to put the ball in the goal. I was really happy, I forgot that feeling, especially after a long l break. kI It was an unbelievable b li bl game for the team and a good night for myself as well.
“When you look at our last five or six games, everyone has started on the front foot and that gives us that confidence and gives us time in the game to create chances.
“We felt that it was coming for the last few games and finally we have scored four goals. I don’t remember the last game that we scored that many.
“We keep pushing with another game at Sheffield Wednesday and we hope we can do this again.”
When you don’t play for 10 months, there are never too many games for you. I am really happy I am fit and I can help the team get more points. Krystian Bielik