Mauro Junior was full of praise for Sven Mijnans after the midfielder's hat-trick helped PSV secure a 5-2 victory over Cambuur and return to the top of the Eredivisie.

The PSV captain spoke to ESPN after Sunday's match in Leeuwarden, where Mijnans was the standout performer with three goals. Mauro also shared a light-hearted moment about his teammate's contribution, joking that the midfielder had earned the ball after his remarkable display.

"He wants the ball," the Brazilian laughed. "He scores three goals, so he certainly deserved it."

While delighted with the result, Mauro felt PSV's performance changed after the interval. Peter Bosz's side made an excellent start, building a 3-0 lead through Mijnans and Ruben van Bommel before Cambuur fought their way back into the contest.

The hosts scored twice to reduce the deficit to 3-2, briefly putting PSV under pressure. Mijnans then struck from a free-kick to restore the visitors' two-goal advantage, before Ayoni Santos added a fifth in stoppage time.

Mauro acknowledged that PSV had lost some of their rhythm in the second half but insisted that securing all three points was the priority.

"We played very well at the start of the match. The combinations were very precise. After halftime it became a bit less. Then we lost our rhythm a little. But yes, the most important thing is the three points," he said.

The Brazilian also felt PSV had largely maintained control despite conceding twice, while highlighting Mijnans' recent form as an important factor for the team.

"We have, aside from the two countergoals, kept good control over the match. He has been playing really well for a few matches now. It's great to have a player like that on your team," Mauro added, as quoted by PSV Inside.

Mijnans' hat-trick proved particularly valuable given the results elsewhere in the Eredivisie. Feyenoord lost 5-3 away to Heerenveen after surrendering a two-goal lead, while Ajax were held to a 2-2 draw by FC Twente despite also leading 2-0.

Those results allowed PSV to reclaim first place, although Mauro insisted that his side had not been distracted by the fortunes of their title rivals.

"We were not focused on the opponents. Our goal was clear: we wanted to win. And that is what happened," the captain explained.

With the Eredivisie now pausing for the international break, PSV can take some satisfaction from returning to the summit. Mauro welcomed the opportunity for the squad to recover before the competition resumes.

"We are back on top of the standings. Finally. Now we can take a little time to enjoy ourselves and rest during the international break. Hopefully we will all come back fit," he said.

For Mauro, the immediate task is to enjoy the result and make sure the squad returns from the break ready to defend its position at the top.