Thomas Kaminski highlighted the importance of Daniel Ayala’s role as Rovers made it back-to-back wins, and clean sheets, to start the season.

Kaminski has been well shielded by those infront of him in the opening two games, with Rovers giving up just three shots on target across wins over QPR and Swansea City.

A solid defensive unit has been key to the 1-0 and 3-0 successes, much to the delight of the Belgian.

While Rovers lost captain Darragh Lenihan, player of the year Jan Paul van Hecke and first-team regular Ryan Nyambe from their defensive unit over the summer, the fitness of experienced figure Ayala has been key.

The Spaniard has been influential at the heart of the Rovers defence, with Rovers knowing the importance of keeping the 31-year-old fit having seen him make only 32 appearances across his first two seasons at the club.

“I think Dan is a leader and it shows on the pitch,” Kaminski explained.

“He’s a massive attribute for us in the team, with set plays, and I like to play with him.

“I think all the older guys have to take the leadership role on the pitch and Dan is one of them. It’s natural for him.

“He’s buying into the demands of the manager as well.”

Kaminski too has assumed more responsibility and behind Ayala is the second oldest player in the squad, despite only being 29.

He won player of the year in his debut season at the club and kept 13 clean sheets last year.

It is a figure he’s aiming to improve on in this campaign, with Rovers making the perfect start with shut-outs in their opening two fixtures.

“For a goalie it can’t be any better. I think we had a clear plan today and I think it would perfectly,” he explained.

“We spoke a lot during the weeks in pre-season that clean sheets are going to give you wins and it’s a good base to build from.

“I think the defence was solid again and in the next two games it’s going to be tough as well, but we’ve gained a lot of confidence.”

As well as the perfect start for the players, and defenders, it has also been a 100 per cent start for new head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson.

Kaminski feels there has been an increased focus on intensity as well as the team shape which was crucial in their south Wales win.

“There’s a new manager who came in and everyone wants to show themselves and I think it’s worked perfectly so far,” Kaminski added.

“Intensity and discipline in our shape, as well as on the ball he’s demanding as well. 

“I think he’s really demanding on discipline and shape and it’s something we work on every day.

“There are demands on the players on and off the ball and in the shape we’re well organised.

“You can see on the pitch we’re narrow, we gave up a little bit of crosses but it’s how we wanted to defend.

“You can see the benefit of that.

“We were a little bit lower than how we wanted to play but it was the best way to do it.”

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