Kodai Sano has quickly established himself as a regular in Peter Bosz’s PSV side, but the Japanese midfielder insists he is not trying to replace Joey Veerman after the Dutchman’s move to Borussia Dortmund.

PSV paid €15 million to sign Sano from NEC in early August, and the midfielder has played every minute since making his debut for the club.

With Veerman completing his long-awaited transfer to Borussia Dortmund in mid-August, comparisons between the two midfielders were inevitable. Sano, however, believes their profiles are fundamentally different.

“Joey was the best midfielder in the Netherlands,” Sano told Voetbal International.

The Japanese midfielder has also made it clear that he does not see himself as Veerman’s direct successor.

“People can’t really compare us with each other. I’m a completely different type of footballer than Joey is. We really have different qualities.”

Sano did admit that Veerman’s influence could still be seen in his own development. He watched the former PSV midfielder closely and believes one of his passes this season had a familiar quality.

“I have been able to learn from him by watching him. The pass I made against FC Utrecht, which ultimately led to a goal, was a pass Joey could also have made, haha. But beyond that, I will bring something else and add to PSV’s game.”

Rather than attempting to replicate Veerman’s passing game, Sano describes himself as a dynamic midfielder who wants freedom to influence matches from both sides of the pitch.

“I’m a dynamic box-to-box player. I love playing as number 6, because I get the ball a lot. But honestly, that’s just a number, because I can and want to go forward as well. I love that freedom.”

There is still an adjustment period for the 22-year-old, particularly in developing his understanding with his new teammates.

“I still have to improve myself, you know, in communication with my teammates. I need to learn them better so I know what their strengths are and how I can use them.”

Sano believes that understanding will develop naturally through working together.

“That’s something I’ll have to experience with them together; then I’m sure the game will get better and better.”

Sano’s transition has been relatively smooth, partly because PSV’s playing principles are familiar to him from his time at NEC.

“I had little trouble adjusting because I’ve been playing in the Eredivisie for years and I know PSV’s style of play.”

He also highlighted similarities between the two clubs under their respective approaches.

“Both teams want the ball, attack, and when they lose possession they want to get it back as quickly as possible. Five seconds, three seconds, that game is the same, haha.”

Those principles have helped Sano settle immediately into Bosz’s midfield.

“I think that’s where I fit well at PSV and can play a good role.”

With Sano in the starting XI, PSV have recorded convincing victories over Groningen and Utrecht before also winning 3-1 away at Ajax.

The victory in Amsterdam was particularly significant for the midfielder.

“It was very tough, but I’m glad that we won such a big match like the one against Ajax.”

Sano remains conscious that his own development is still ongoing, despite PSV’s strong results.

“There were also still plenty of personal areas for improvement, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that I’m also very proud of the results we are achieving now.”

The midfielder has also been struck by the level of competition inside the PSV squad.

“The quality during training is already very high and it will only get better. You can tell that you’re at a top club. I can only get better here and grow.”

As relayed by PSV Inside, for Sano, however, the message is clear. PSV’s impressive start must not lead to complacency.

“What’s important, though, is that we as a group keep staying humble. The season has only just started. We need to make sure we stay fit and do our work well; that ultimately leads to performance.”