Although the main footballing focus in the Netherlands is currently on Ajax, we are going to be analysing PSV Eindhoven, Roger Schmidt’s side currently lie in second place in the Eredivisie.
In this article, we will look at the strengths and weaknesses of this PSV side. Despite the dominance of Ajax, “Boeren” could still end the season with some silverware.
Analysing PSV Eindhoven, Roger Schmidt Seeking Silverware in Final Season
Rodger Schmidt’s Journey: From Red Bull Salzburg to PSV Eindhoven
Schmidt joined PSV in March 2020. He previously coached at Red Bull Salzburg in Austria, winning the domestic double in the 2013/14 season.
The German then made the move to Bayer Leverkusen where he spent three seasons. During his time at the club, he helped develop the game of players such as Son Heung-min, Julian Brandt and Hakan Çalhanoğlu.
Schmidt eventually left Leverkusen in 2017 following a 6-2 loss to Borussia Dortmund.
The now 54-year-old then made the move to the Chinese Super League, joining Beijing Guoan, winning the Chinese FA Cup with the club in 2018.
Since joining Eindhoven, he has brought in his very particular style of play.
It has also been announced that Schmidt will leave his role as manager at the end of this season due to not being able to agree a new contract. Many clubs will be interested in acquiring the German.
In’s and Out’s
This summer saw many key PSV players leave the club. The likes of Denzel Dumfries and Donyell Malen opted to go abroad after Euro 2020.
They have been replaced by a mixture of signings. The likes of ex-Tottenham Hotspur forward Carlos Vinícius and Portuguese winger Bruma have joined the club on loan. Signing Phillip Mwene and Marco van Ginkel on free transfers were also a great piece of business by the club.
PSV brought in three others for great value. Goalkeeper Joël Drommel and defender André Ramalho joined for a total of around £6 million. The most expensive signing of the season was Joey Veerman from Heerenveen for around £5 million.
Analysing PSV Eindhoven: Style of Play.
It is no secret when watching PSV that Schmidt is inspired by the Red Bull footballing philosophy. He enjoys his teams playing with an intense pressing style and a high tempo.
This season, Schmidt has opted to play either a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation.
While in possession, these formations allow Schmidt to make sure his players have constant movement and rotation so that there are always multiple options for a pass. Their full-backs are heavily involved in build-up play and quick attacking transitions.
What is most impressive about PSV is their ability to press effectively. They always aim to win possession high up the pitch and try to create a clear goalscoring opportunity as fast as possible.
With quick and direct wingers such as Cody Gakpo, Bruma and 19-year-old English talent Noni Madueke, PSV are quick to progress the ball into attacking areas. This allows them to create clear goalscoring opportunities.
This, alongside the creativity of German World Cup winner Mario Götze and the clinical finishing of forwards Eran Zahavi and Yorbe Vertessen, means that when PSV get into strong attacking positions, they have enough quality to find the back of the net.
Goal Involvements
| Player | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Cody Gakpo | 33 | 13 | 13 |
| Mario Götze | 36 | 10 | 7 |
| Eran Zahavi | 29 | 9 | 8 |
| Bruma | 33 | 8 | 3 |
| Yorbe Vertessen | 36 | 8 | 5 |
| Noni Madueke | 22 | 8 | 3 |
As the table above shows, the goals and assists are shared out. Schmidt has created a strong squad at PSV, being able to rotate players in and out of the team while maintaining similar high-quality standards.
The best example of how Schmidt wants his side to play was seen in their opening game of the season. PSV faced Ajax in the Johan Cruyff Shield, beating them 4-0.
All four goals came from quick turnovers in possession. PSV’s directness once with the ball also meant each goal was scored no more than ten seconds after regaining possession.
Below you can watch PSV’s fourth goal scored by Mario Götze. PSV’s players were ready to pounce on the misplaced pass by the Ajax midfielder. The second possession was regained the attacking players were making forward runs through on goal. Nine seconds later, the ball is in the back of the Ajax net.
Atropelo do PSV para cima do Ajax na Supercopa holandesa: 4-0. Götze fechou a goleada com essa bela conclusão. Tagliafico expulso ainda no primeiro tempo com 2-0.
(📽 @ESPNnl)
— Leonardo Bertozzi (@lbertozzi) August 7, 2021
PSV’s Season So Far and Expectations.
Despite their impressive attacking output, PSV have had poor moments in defence. In the Eredivisie, Schmidt’s side have averaged 2.45 goals per game, but have conceded 1.27. They have also only managed six clean sheets in 23 league games this season. It is key that PSV tighten up defensively. One of the main factors to their poor defensive stats is the fact that two out of the back four in defence have only joined the club this season.
PSV failed to make the Champions League group stage, falling short to Benfica in the play-offs. After dropping down to the Europa League, they could only finish third in their group. Schmidt and his team will now play in the new UEFA Europa Conference League knock-out stages.
With the competition not as strong as the other two European competitions, PSV may have a chance of reaching the latter stages if they find consistency in Europe.
In the Eredivisie, PSV currently sit in 2nd place behind the dominant Ajax. It looks unlikely that they will be able to catch Erik ten Hag’s side who will look to seal the league title as soon as possible.
Eindhoven’s best chance of silverware this season will be in the KNVB Cup. They face Go Ahead Eagles in the semi-finals. If victorious they will play either Ajax or AZ Alkmaar in the final. If Schmidt’s men can play with the confidence they had against Ajax in the first game of the season, they could easily take the cup home.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
