Joey Veerman’s promising start at Borussia Dortmund has given way to his first difficult spell in Germany, with several leading media outlets questioning his recent performances after the Dutch midfielder struggled in the Champions League.

Dortmund signed the 27-year-old from PSV for €22 million in August, handing him a five-year contract running until the summer of 2031. The transfer represented a major step in Veerman’s career, and his early displays earned praise from the German press.

However, the mood surrounding the Netherlands international has begun to change following a series of underwhelming performances, with Kicker, BILD and Frankfurter Allgemeine among the German publications assessing his recent dip in form.

The criticism intensified after Dortmund’s 1-0 defeat to FK Bodø/Glimt on October 14. Veerman, who has not established himself as a regular starter, was singled out for his performance after struggling to influence the game.

Eurosport Germany described the former PSV midfielder as “the symbol of a failed evening”, pointing to his inability to win a single duel and his frequent losses of possession.

German sports website Spox also delivered a mixed assessment, acknowledging that Veerman made some important defensive interventions but questioning his overall contribution.

“Overall, it was quite a disappointing performance,” the outlet wrote, noting that the midfielder lacked the necessary momentum in possession before being substituted after an hour.

His situation became more complicated in Dortmund’s subsequent Bundesliga fixture against Union Berlin, which ended in a goalless draw. Head coach Niko Kovac left Veerman on the bench for the entire match for the first time this season.

Dortmund remain firmly in contention at the top of the Bundesliga, level on points with leaders Bayern Munich, but the growing scrutiny of Veerman suggests his early reputation is beginning to come under pressure.

The questions surrounding Veerman’s ability to thrive in German football are not limited to the German press. Dutch analysts Johan Derksen and René van der Gijp had already expressed reservations about whether the midfielder could make the step up to one of Europe’s most demanding leagues.

Speaking on Vandaag Inside, Van der Gijp argued that Dortmund need a more complete version of the player who impressed at PSV.

“The Veerman of PSV, Borussia Dortmund doesn’t have anything with him,” Van der Gijp said. “He has to take a step forward, and he isn’t going to make that step, because he’s already too old for it.”

The former PSV player also suggested that Veerman could face additional scrutiny because of his nationality and transfer fee when Dortmund struggle.

“You now also see at Borussia Dortmund that when things aren’t going well, people look to the foreigners. He’s a foreigner and a lot of money was paid for him,” he added.

“He’s not going to take Borussia Dortmund by the hand, really not.”

Derksen, meanwhile, has warned that Veerman’s technical qualities may not be enough to guarantee success in the Bundesliga, where physical demands and defensive responsibilities are particularly important.

“Joey Veerman is a good footballer, yes, when he has the ball he really does fantastic things,” Derksen said, as quoted by PSV Inside. “I’m afraid he will be overshadowed in German football. That is much more physical, and in Germany they don’t agree to the fact that Veerman has the luxury role and doesn’t get involved when the ball is lost.”

Veerman’s move to Dortmund initially appeared to be a straightforward success, with the midfielder earning positive reviews during his first weeks at the club. His recent performances, however, have raised questions about whether he can consistently meet the demands of German football.

The criticism does not erase the promise he showed early in his Dortmund career, but the coming weeks could prove important as he looks to secure a regular starting role under Kovac.

For now, Veerman faces the challenge of turning his technical ability into consistent performances in a league where his defensive work and physical contribution are increasingly under scrutiny.