Aad de Mos believes Ricardo Pepi faces a tougher challenge at PSV following Luuk de Jong’s departure, with the former coach questioning whether the American striker possesses the qualities required to thrive in Peter Bosz’s current system.

Pepi appeared set to become PSV’s first-choice striker after De Jong left the club in the summer of 2025. However, a series of injuries disrupted his progress, while Guus Til was regularly preferred in the central attacking role last season.

The competition has now become even more intense after Sven Mijnans produced a decisive performance against Sparta Rotterdam last weekend.

Mijnans started the match as a striker on paper and responded with a hat-trick in PSV’s 4-1 victory. Pepi, meanwhile, came off the bench as Bosz reshaped his attack.

For De Mos, the situation illustrates why Pepi has found life more difficult since De Jong’s departure.

Speaking in a video item from Eindhovens Dagblad featuring PSV watcher Rik Elfrink, De Mos argued that Pepi had previously benefited from the way De Jong occupied opposing defences.

“In the past it was a bit easier for him. Luuk de Jong was done after about 60 to 75 minutes. The defence then is vulnerable and there were spaces from which he benefited.”

The former PSV and Ajax coach believes the modern striker increasingly needs to offer more than simply occupying the penalty area.

He pointed towards Tolu Arokodare and Feyenoord striker Igor Paixão as examples of forwards capable of contributing in different ways.

“Tolu can keep the ball with him; in addition, he also has pace. He is extremely decisive. You see it with Ferri as well. He is a new kind of striker that is emerging in tiki-taka.”

De Mos then outlined what he believes Pepi lacks in comparison.

“He also doesn’t have the delicate technique. Especially from the kick-off. From the start there are almost no spaces.”

Mijnans’ performance against Sparta has given Bosz another option to consider. Although primarily a midfielder, the 24-year-old was deployed centrally and produced three goals, demonstrating his ability to influence the game from an advanced position.

The hat-trick came after Mijnans had already been used regularly as part of Bosz’s attacking midfield options. His performance could therefore provide another tactical route for PSV when opponents defend deeper.

De Mos’ comments also highlight the changing demands placed on PSV’s central striker. With fewer spaces available from the beginning of matches, forwards must contribute through movement, hold-up play, pace and technical quality.

Pepi remains part of Bosz’s attacking plans, but competition for the position has increased. Mijnans’ breakthrough against Sparta, alongside the return of other established attacking options, gives the PSV head coach further decisions to make as the season develops.

For Pepi, the challenge is now to respond when his next opportunity arrives.