Eredivisie 2024/25 Preview: PSV | OneFootball

PSV started their Eredivisie season this weekend with a 5-1 thrashing of RKC Waalwijk that was indicative of last season’s stellar Eredivisie-winning campaign. Goals were firmly on the menu last term, as Eindhoven led the team scoring ranks, with 111 goals for. Compare this to their excellent, again league-leading, defence that only conceded 21 goals all season – PSV truly deserved the title. , which was their first in six years.

Big players in 2023-24 included top-scorer in the league Luuk de Jong, who notched 29 goals, and Johan Bakayoko – who grabbed 12 goals in 30 appearances. What was noticeable in PSV’s slick offensive displays, was the ability that the team displayed to share the load. In upper echelon of the assisting charts, Joey Veerman led the way with 16 assists, but was joined by De Jong (15), Malik Tillman (11), Jordan Teze and Bakayoko (both on 9). With the momentum from last season clearly already carrying over for Peter Bosz’s side, incorporating key new additions will no doubt be the cherry on top for PSV to be decisive in almost all competitions they take part in.

Last season’s position: 1st

Transfers In: Malik Tillman (Bayern Munich), Ryan Flamingo (FC Utrecht), Couhaib Driouech (Excelsior), Sergino Dest (FC Barcelona)

Transfers Out: Hirving Lozano (San Diego FC), Andre Ramalho (Corinthians), Shurandy Sambo (Burnley), Boy Waterman (Retired)

Overview: PSV have demonstrated some solid business so far, as Malik Tillman’s loan from Bayern Munich was made permanent for €12m after a first season at the Phillips Stadion saw him register a fine number of (aforementioned) assists as well as 10 goals in the league. Another loan made permanent, is Serginio Dest. He signed for free after being an integral part of the title-capturing team, despite an ACL injury. PSV seemingly offered the United States international a rational way out after an underwhelming stint at Barcelona.

€9m Ryan Flamingo also seems like a really interesting signing. The 21-year-old arrived from Sassuolo in July after starring for Utrecht on loan as they finished seventh. 22-year-old Couhaib Driouech came in from Excelsior for €3.5m, having impressed despite his team going down to the Eerste Divisie. In the centre of the park, he scored six and assisted six in 26 regular season appearances, shining alongside loanee Troy Parrott. Tillman and Flamingo especially, look to be the perfect remedy for the exits of Hirving Lozano to the MLS and Andre Ramalho back to Brazil.

On the new season, and after the victory against Waalwijk, manager Peter Bosz spoke of defending the league title in determined fashion:

“Wanting and needing to be champions again is tough, but we showed today that we can do it. I noticed beforehand that the group had the right mentality and on the field it was no different. They were sharp, fierce and it looked good.”

According to goal-scorer Mallik Tillman, who was MOTM:

“It’s a new season, everyone is hungry. Maybe more than last season. It has to be, because I think it will be harder. Everyone wants to win against the champion. We have to show on the field that we can do it again.”

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield