Filip Kostić has praised PSV’s development programme and pointed to the lasting impression made by former Serbian stars Mateja Kežman and Danko Lazović at the Eindhoven club.

Kostić joined PSV on a free transfer last summer and has quickly become part of the club’s Serbian connection. The left-back was also involved when Serbia faced the Netherlands at the Philips Stadium last Sunday.

The PSV player came off the bench in the 72nd minute, replacing Aleksa Terzić, as Oranje eventually secured a 2-1 victory.

Ahead of the international fixture, Kostić spoke to the Serbian press and reflected on the reputation of his predecessors at PSV.

According to Kostić, questions about Kežman and Lazović began almost immediately after his arrival in Eindhoven. Both former Serbia internationals enjoyed spells at PSV and left a strong impression at the club.

“From the very first day I arrived here, they asked me about Mateja Kezman and Danko Lazovic,” Kostić said.

“They have left a good impression here and have opened the doors wide for all of us. I will try to follow in their footsteps, so that in the future many Serbian players will also play here.”

Kostić sees his own spell at PSV as part of a wider connection between the club and Serbian football. His comments underline the influence previous generations can have on the next group of players looking to establish themselves abroad.

The 32-year-old was equally clear about what attracted him to PSV and the value he believes the club can provide to younger Serbian players.

“Without a doubt, this is the best training program and a great springboard for young players,” Kostić said, as quoted by PSV Inside.

The Serbia international believes PSV offers players more than simply football training, with professionalism and nutrition forming an important part of the programme.

“I would advise all of our young players to come here. Here you learn everything about professionalism and nutrition.”

Kostić also pointed to the number of players who have developed their careers at PSV as evidence of the club’s value as a pathway.

“Many players have built a serious career here, so you can really make no wrong choice,” he added.

For Kostić, PSV’s work with young players also has a wider significance beyond the club itself. He believes the relationship can benefit Serbia’s national team and the country’s football structure.

“That is good for our national team and for Serbian football,” he concluded.

Kostić’s comments come after his first summer at PSV and underline the significance he places on the club’s role in developing Serbian talent, while acknowledging the foundations laid by Kežman and Lazović before him.