Agyemang off the mark and determined to 'thrive'

Patrick Agyemang has scored one goal and provided two assists in his five appearances for Derby

Patrick Agyemang has vowed to flex more than just his scoring might for Derby County after netting his first goal for the Rams.

The United States international earned Derby a much-needed point against Southampton on Saturday with a headed equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Pride Park.

The 24-year-old said "it felt great" to open his account in the English game after making his £5.8m summer move to the East Midlands from Major League Soccer side Charlotte FC.

He admits taking his career across the Atlantic has already taught him a lot about his game, with the physical nature of the Championship proving particularly demanding.

Not that he is complaining.

"I realise it's going to be like that every game, so I have to be up for it," he told BBC Radio Derby.

"And the things I would think are a foul, are not here. So I really have to focus on that when I play and be strong up there and that's my game as well.

"I want to tire defenders out as much as possible and create as many chances as possible for myself and the team."

As the most expensive player bought by Derby since the club came out of administration in 2022, his goal against Southampton was both hugely-anticipated and wildly celebrated by Rams fans.

Chants of "USA, USA" rung around the Derby supporters after he struck.

"It's good that I'm off the mark," he said.

"I'm relatively new and still learning. And it's difficult. But I'm slowly getting used to everything and think that at some point it will click for me and I'll be thriving."

But even before his first Derby goal, Agyemang had endeared himself to the Rams faithful with a number of game-defining performances.

He provided the assist for Derby's winner at West Bromwich Albion on his debut in mid-September before then marking his first start for the club with another assist in their 1-1 draw with Wrexham.

Agyemang says the first few months of his time with Derby have been "crazy" and "amazing", having completed his move after he started for the USA in their Gold Cup final defeat by Mexico in July.

The deal went through despite him needing to undergo surgery on a long-standing hernia problem, which saw him miss the opening six league and cup games of the season.

"All the staff and everyone have set me up for success, and I'm just happy to take advantage and help this team get a point," he said.

"I just want to continue doing that going forward."