The summer signing overcame exhaustion and a daring ultimatum from Lutsharel Geertruida to secure his maiden hattrick, propelling Peter Bosz’s side back to the Eredivisie summit.
Sven Mijnans marked his first PSV start in a new attacking role with a hat-trick as Peter Bosz’s side recovered from an early setback to beat Sparta Rotterdam 4-1 and return to the top of the Eredivisie.
The former AZ midfielder needed only a few weeks to make a significant impression at PSV. The summer signing delivered his strongest performance yet on Sunday evening, scoring three times as PSV overturned an early 0-1 deficit against Sparta Rotterdam.
Kodai Sano added the other goal as Peter Bosz’s side secured a 4-1 victory and moved back to the top of the Eredivisie on goal difference ahead of AZ.
For Mijnans, the performance was particularly significant because he had to play a different role. The midfielder started in a more attacking position, with Guus Til operating behind him, and responded by producing a hat-trick.
Mijnans Already Thinking About His Hat-Trick Ball
Speaking to ESPN after the final whistle, Mijnans revealed what he intends to do with the match ball.
“I'm going to place the ball at home in my new home, find a nice spot and have everything done properly, shirt framed as well.”
His first goal came with a well-timed header, although Mijnans remains reluctant to describe himself as a particularly strong aerial player.
“The header was finished off well, I have to say. I come in from behind him and I keep him well away with my arm. I also time it well. I'm still not a header player who is good enough for my height. I don't know either if I'm going to become one very quickly.”
The midfielder's third goal was arguably the highlight of the evening. After receiving an assist from Lutsharel Geertruida, Mijnans produced a finish that completed the comeback and put PSV firmly in control.
Geertruida even had a warning for his teammate beforehand.
“He even told me: ‘If you hadn't scored it, then I would have gone crazy over you’. Luckily I did.”
Mijnans admitted he was running out of energy during the move.
“I was still running alongside Obi (Armando Obispo, ed.) and then I said to myself: I can't do it anymore.”
Summer Signing Adapting to PSV Demands
The hat-trick also represents an important step in Mijnans’ adaptation to life at PSV.
The midfielder acknowledged that the transition has required patience. At Sparta, he experienced periods of limited playing time as a youngster, while his time at AZ was considerably more settled.
“It’s very educational. When I was at Sparta as a young boy, I also went through a phase in which I played less. That’s logical for a young player.”
“At AZ, I very quickly didn’t miss any matches, so this was definitely something of an adjustment.”
That adjustment appears to be paying off. Mijnans was handed a starting role against Sparta and took full advantage of the opportunity, while also gaining experience alongside several of PSV’s established players.
“Today you can see that you’re playing with a large part of the starting eleven. Geertruida at the back, those are boys who are confident on the ball and who can make the difference.”
For Mijnans, that quality behind him allows PSV’s attacking players to take greater risks and move forward with confidence.
“Then you can push forward more easily. There is still plenty of room for improvement in the final phase," he concluded, as quoted by PSV Inside.
The midfielder’s comments reflect both the immediate impact of his hat-trick and his wider understanding that his PSV development remains a work in progress. For Bosz, however, the performance has given him another attacking option at a crucial stage of the season.
