Cocu says Bielik is eager to ‘step up’ in fitness bid
SUMMER SIGNING SHONE IN WIN AGAINST SCUNTHORPE
PHILLIP Cocu says Derby County’s big summer signing Krystian Bielik is still building his fitness.
Bielik made an impressive debut in Tuesday night’s 1-0 victory over Scunthorpe United in the Carabao Cup.
The 21-year-old has signed from Arsenal in permanent deal for an undisclosed fee. It is believed Derby have paid an initial £7m, although the amount could eventually rise to a club record £10m with add-ons.
Bielik was on international duty for Poland at the European U21 Championships in Italy in the summer and so returned to pre-season training slightly later.
“He’s still not exactly where he wants to be. He’s very eager to step up and really be 100% fit,” said Cocu, talking about the player who earned rave reviews for his performance at Scunthorpe.
Bielik played in the left-side centre-back role alongside Curtis Davies in a Derby team which showed 11 changes to the one that drew with Swansea City in the Championship a few days earlier.
Bielik looked accomplished, both strong in the air and with the ball at his feet in what was a mature, assured display. He can also play as a defensive midfielder.
“This (Scunthorpe) was a very important game for him, it is difficult in training sessions to approach it like a real game,” Cocu said.
“We knew he could play centreback or in midfield and, already, he has shown his quality on the ball and also his defensive skills.
“As a six or as a centre-back. I think he can play both.
“I spoke with him about this. If as a player you can manage and feel comfortable in two or three positions in the team, you can develop yourself and make yourself a very complete (player).
“He will, of course, be a very defensive-orientated player, who is good on the ball - he made some great passes.
“It was good to see and I’m happy he played the whole game.”
Derby return to Championship action on Saturday when they make the short trip down the A50 to face Stoke City.
Could Bielik make his League debut this weekend?
“We’re going to see on Thursday how he is,” Cocu said. “He’s without injury but of course the reaction to this kind of game and (game and training) load, we will have to see.
“We will have to think about the schedule. I don’t think he’s ready to play three games in eight days, so this is something we have to evaluate together and see what’s best for him and for the team.”
Derby’s next fixture after Stoke is the home League game against Bristol City on Tuesday night.