Rams handed major boost as World Cup star rejoins squad after 'crazy' experience

Jacob Widell Zetterstrom said his first taste of playing in a World Cup was a "crazy experience" and has given him a taste for more.

The Derby County goalkeeper was reunited with his club team-mates for their pre-season tour of Austria this week having been given extra time off after playing for Sweden at this summer's tournament.

Zetterstrom played the last two games of Sweden's campaign which ended with France sending them home in the knockout stages.

But the popular Rams stopper drew considerable praise for his performances against Japan and France and looks to have now established himself as his country's number one.

And while Sweden didn't get as far as people might have anticipated, given that they boast players such as Anthony Elanga and Alexander Isak, Zetterstrom said being part of the biggest festival of football will stay with him forever.

"It was a crazy experience, really, something that you always dream of as a kid and to get to do what I did was unbelievable," he said.

"I am still trying to like get my head around things that I've actually done.

"Everything's gone so quickly, but there's still time to reflect on everything.

"I had a few days after the World Cup to just sink into it and reflect. I am very, very proud.

"While you always want to win games, it was unfortunate that we didn't progress in the tournament, but it's an experience I will take with me for the rest of my life.

"I got to see some places I've never seen before. I've never been to New York. That was amazing, but to go to Mexico for that first group stage game with the temperature, the humidity, and the fans were just unbelievable.

"It was like a proper World Cup experience, really. It's a bit hard to like get your head around those sort of things, but I enjoyed every single second of it."

Zetterstrom's stock has continued to soar since his move to Derby from Djurgarden in the summer of 2024, and he is widely considered one of the best goalkeepers outside the Premier League.

His next aim will be to help Derby mount another promotion push to the top flight after John Eustace's side finished eighth last season.

And Zetterstrom says his focus is to keep improving.

"I'm looking forward to just keep progressing as a player," he said. "If we're talking about like international football, now I've experienced that, I want to experience so much more.

"As a footballer, you always need to stay hungry and to progress as a player and as a person.

"But right now I'm just very happy to be back with the boys and enjoying the beautiful Austrian scenery."

The transfer window is now open, the signings are being linked and players could be heading for the exit door at Pride Park as it promises to be a pre-season of change at the club.

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