Former PSV player Noa Lang earned praise from NOS analysts Wim Kieft and Rafael van der Vaart after making a positive impact in the Netherlands' 2-2 draw with Greece.

Lang was introduced at half-time in place of PSV winger Ruben van Bommel, with the Netherlands trailing 2-0. Xavi Hernandez's side responded after the interval, scoring through Virgil van Dijk and Tijani Reijnders to rescue a point.

The substitute appearance gave Lang an opportunity to influence the game, and both Kieft and Van der Vaart highlighted what he brought to the Netherlands' attack.

Kieft, a former PSV striker, pointed to Lang's ability to operate in tight spaces and create danger when he is allowed to attack from the left.

“Lang brought a lot. What I always have a little against Lang is that he always goes toward his right foot. That was important today,” Kieft said in the NOS studio after the match, as quoted by PSV Inside.

The former striker contrasted Lang's approach with that of Cody Gakpo and Van Bommel, who can also threaten by going outside.

“Cody Gakpo or Ruben van Bommel sometimes like to go outside. Lang does have a lot of feel in his feet. When he’s on a roll, he has a lot of flair and he’s threatening.”

Kieft felt those qualities were particularly useful against Greece, where the space available for wide attacking movements was limited.

“Today he was needed, because the room to go out wide was much less. A lot of threat came from his deliveries.”

Van der Vaart agreed with Kieft's assessment and highlighted another aspect of Lang's game.

“He can do more than Gakpo and Van Bommel in the small space. They need a bit more room, even though they are almost impossible to stop when they’re in full flow,” the former Netherlands midfielder said.

Van der Vaart also praised the impact of Lang and Reijnders after Xavi made his changes at half-time.

“He played brilliantly and Tijjani Reijnders was top, so then as a coach you’ve just handled it properly. Even though you started hopelessly.”

Reijnders subsequently scored the equaliser in the closing stages, completing the Netherlands' comeback.

Despite the positive reaction from the analysts, Lang was not completely satisfied with his own contribution.

Speaking to NOS after the match, the Napoli winger acknowledged that he needed to be more decisive.

“We’ll see whether I took my chance. I didn’t score and I didn’t provide an assist, so there is room for improvement,” Lang said.

The former PSV player also admitted that he believes his development has stalled over the past year.

“I think this is part of what I need to show. I feel like I've been standing still in my development for a year, so I need to push forward now.”

Lang accepted that Van Bommel's starting position was understandable given the younger winger's current momentum.

“Football is a sport. If guys have momentum, they go out and play. I have to become more consistent and more decisive.”

Rather than allowing the disappointment to affect him, Lang said he must respond when opportunities arrive.

“I could walk around this week with a grumpy face, but you can also try to flip the switch and, if you get the chance, take it. I'm very hungry to be the Noa Lang that people are used to.”

The 26-year-old also acknowledged that the challenge extends beyond international football. He believes he must rediscover his consistency at club level with Napoli.

“Of course. I’d be lying if I said it’s easy. I think I’m a player that every team wants. When I’m feeling it, I can make anyone drunk, so to speak. So it’s up to me to keep showing it all the time.”

“Not only here, but also at Napoli. Because since I’ve been playing there, I’ve been stuck in my development,” Lang added.

His performance against Greece nevertheless provided a timely reminder of the qualities that prompted Xavi to turn to him at half-time, while his own assessment made clear that he expects more from himself in the weeks ahead.