PSV Eindhoven remain top of the Eredivisie on goal difference, but ESPN analysts Kenneth Perez and Marciano Vink believe the champions face a far more competitive title race this season.

PSV may have returned to the Eredivisie summit, but early signs suggest their path to another title will be much tougher.

After five rounds, Peter Bosz’s side sit at the top of the table on goal difference ahead of AZ. The picture at the top of the table has already changed significantly, with Ajax and Feyenoord also showing strong early form.

That represents a marked contrast to last season, when PSV dominated the championship race and secured the title in record-breaking fashion.

PSV became the earliest Eredivisie champions in history after beating FC Utrecht 4-3 on matchday 29. The following day, Feyenoord could only draw 0-0 away to FC Volendam, confirming PSV as champions.

This season, however, the competition appears much tighter.

AZ had started the campaign perfectly but dropped their first points on Friday night when promoted Willem II held them to a 1-1 draw.

PSV took advantage by beating Sparta Rotterdam 4-1 on Sunday, with Sven Mijnans scoring a hat-trick and Kodai Sano adding another goal.

Yet Ajax and Feyenoord also delivered emphatic victories.

Ajax defeated Fortuna Sittard 5-1 away from home, while Feyenoord produced an even bigger scoreline by thrashing PEC Zwolle 7-0.

The results have reinforced the belief that PSV will not have the same freedom at the top of the table this season.

Speaking on ESPN programme Dit was het Weekend as relayed by PSV Inside, Perez predicted an extended title battle.

“I think it’s going to be very exciting this season. It’s no longer PSV and the rest. Now it’s AZ, Ajax, and Feyenoord that are also showing themselves. I think it could be very, very exciting for a long time.”

The statement reflects a clear change from last season, when PSV ultimately finished 17 points ahead of Feyenoord.

Vink and Perez also praised Ajax’s performance against Fortuna.

The Amsterdam side controlled the match for long periods and restricted Fortuna’s opportunities, while Marc-André ter Stegen was called upon to make important saves when the hosts did break through.

Vink highlighted the overall control of the performance and specifically praised Sofyan Amrabat’s role in protecting Ajax’s defensive structure.

“Ajax was on top of it and didn't really let Fortuna play. They only got through now and then, and then there was a great save by Ter Stegen. But Ajax was on top of it everywhere and Amrabat was keeping watch over the house.”

For Vink, the performance was another indication that Ajax’s summer recruitment could have a significant impact on the title race.

Julian Brandt also received particular praise from Perez after opening the scoring against Fortuna.

The German midfielder produced an impressive finish to give Ajax the lead, and Perez used the moment to underline the quality the summer signing can bring to the Eredivisie.

“Brandt's goal was magnificent. This is a dropkick and that's not so easy. Great footballers make difficult things look very easy. He's just a really good player.”

With Ajax and Feyenoord both recording convincing wins and AZ remaining among the early leaders, PSV’s position at the top comes with no guarantee of another runaway title campaign.

After last season’s historic dominance, the early evidence points towards a much more competitive Eredivisie race, with PSV now having three established challengers capable of keeping the pressure on.