Armando Obispo’s PSV career has rarely followed a straightforward path. The centre-back appeared close to leaving Eindhoven last month, with a move to RC Lens seemingly agreed before the transfer collapsed at the final stage.

The 27-year-old subsequently remained at PSV, where Peter Bosz preferred him to Yarek Gasiorowski in Saturday’s home meeting with Fortuna Sittard.

Obispo has nevertheless struggled to establish himself as an undisputed starter since making his PSV debut. He has also faced criticism from supporters, something former PSV goalkeeper Ronald Waterreus believes has sometimes been excessive.

“I understand that for most people Obispo is not an absolute top defender for PSV. But secretly he has done very well in a lot of matches. It’s just that he’s always the twelfth or thirteenth man,” Waterreus said on ESPN’s De Eretribune, as relayed by PSV Inside.

Waterreus also pointed to the constant competition Obispo has faced for a place in the PSV defence.

“Every year new defenders come in, and he’s there again by the side. But in the end he always manages to get in again too. And he does it, too, very often very well,” the former goalkeeper said.

There is, however, one significant concern. Waterreus believes Obispo’s injury record has prevented him from building the consistency required at the highest level.

“The problem with Obispo is that he is sidelined with injuries very often and rarely plays for ninety minutes,” he added.

Elsewhere, former PSV defender Nick Viergever remains determined to continue playing.

Viergever joined PSV from Ajax in 2018 and spent more than two seasons as a regular in Eindhoven. After losing his place under Roger Schmidt during the 2020/21 campaign, he moved to Greuther Fürth before subsequently spending four seasons at FC Utrecht.

The 37-year-old is now playing for PEC Zwolle after Utrecht opted not to extend his contract.

Speaking to Voetbal International, Viergever made clear that retirement is not currently on his mind.

“My body is in good shape and I can still add something. Then I’ll just keep going. I find football much too enjoyable to stop,” he said, as quoted by PSV Inside.

Viergever also reflected on his departure from Utrecht and his relationship with technical director Jordy Zuidam.

“I feel a lot of appreciation from him and the club. The door is open to return one day in a different role. Utrecht is now taking a new path with a new coach and new players. There will be a different dynamic.”

The former PSV defender believes last summer was the right moment to pursue a fresh challenge after helping Utrecht achieve their European objective.

“When I joined Utrecht in 2022, from day one I had the objective of reaching European football. Last season we achieved that. Then you essentially have to set a new goal or look further ahead. That last option is what happened, and it felt fine,” Viergever said.