Khalid Boulahrouz breaks down the positional intelligence that fuelled Sven Mijnans’ stunning tactical shift, showing why the versatile midfielder is becoming PSV’s most lethal offensive weapon.
Sven Mijnans’ hat-trick against Sparta Rotterdam has prompted strong praise from the Rondo panel, with Khalid Boulahrouz explaining why he understands PSV’s decision to sign the midfielder.
PSV Eindhoven returned to the top of the Eredivisie on Sunday evening after recovering from an early setback to beat Sparta Rotterdam 4-1.
Peter Bosz’s side fell behind through Milan Zonneveld, but Kodai Sano restored parity before half-time. Mijnans then took centre stage, completing a hat-trick to secure a convincing victory for PSV.
The result also moved PSV back into first place after AZ dropped their first points of the season in a 1-1 home draw against promoted Willem II.
Mijnans’ performance was one of the main talking points on Ziggo Sport’s Rondo, particularly because the summer signing was deployed as a striker on paper despite being primarily a midfielder.
Boulahrouz admitted he had not initially viewed Mijnans as a natural striker but highlighted a quality that allowed him to thrive in the role.
“I didn't see a striker in him. But he does have a good sense of choosing his position in the box, and you really don't need to be a striker for that.”
The former Netherlands international also explained why he could understand PSV’s decision to bring Mijnans to Eindhoven.
“I can understand why PSV signed him. In terms of joining in with the play, he’s a really nice guy to have around. He can play almost anywhere on the halfway line of the opponent.”
Mijnans has endured a challenging adaptation since arriving at PSV, but his display against Sparta offered another indication of his growing influence. Boulahrouz was particularly impressed by his finishing ability.
“He also shows that he can score fantastic goals. I really think he’s a top player.”
The analyst compared Mijnans with Guus Til, another midfielder who Bosz has frequently used in advanced positions.
“I think you have to see him a bit like Guus Til: a kid you can always build on.”
Rafael van der Vaart also pointed to Mijnans’ positional awareness while suggesting that there are still physical improvements to make if he wants to reach the highest level abroad.
“I think he has more to him. I think he’s a bit too light for the real top level, and then I’m talking about England.”
However, Van der Vaart singled out Mijnans’ ability to understand his surroundings as a particularly valuable attribute.
“The first thing, knowing where someone is in his back. That is a very special quality.” Van der Vaart concluded as relayed by PSV Inside.
That awareness, Van der Vaart suggested, gives Bosz another option in attack, even though Mijnans is not a traditional striker.
PSV’s decision to sign him is beginning to look increasingly versatile, with the 25-year-old showing he can contribute from several positions as the season develops.
