Kodai Sano, Filip Kostić and Lutsharel Geertruida have changed the mood at PSV, with Arnold Bruggink highlighting the experience and mentality they bring to Peter Bosz’s squad. 

PSV’s summer transfer window appeared to be moving slowly after the departures of Joey Veerman and Ismael Saibari. Before Kodai Sano and Filip Kostić arrived, Sven Mijnans was the only new signing presented by the club, leading to growing frustration among supporters.

The picture has changed considerably in recent weeks. PSV have strengthened their squad with Sano, Kostić and Lutsharel Geertruida, giving Peter Bosz more experience and variety as he prepares for another demanding season.

Former PSV player and current ESPN analyst Arnold Bruggink believes the latest additions can make a significant impact.

Speaking on the Skiete Willy Podcast of Voetbal International, Bruggink was asked whether PSV’s midfield had perhaps become too reliant on technically gifted but similar profiles such as Paul Wanner, Guus Til and Mijnans.

Bruggink pointed instead to the balance provided by the club’s more experienced players.

“Peter Bosz likes good footballers, who are comfortable on the ball and can do things going forward. Those are choices that fit in the Eredivisie, but if you want more on the European stage, then you’ll sometimes have to play differently," Bruggink asserted as quoted by PSV Inside.

The former PSV midfielder then highlighted the impact Kostić and Geertruida could have alongside Ivan Perišić and Ruben van Bommel.

“But suppose: if you have Filip Kostic at left-back and you have Lutsharel Geertruida and Ivan Perisic in your team... And Ruben van Bommel, don’t be mistaken about Van Bommel. Those are guys who really know what needs to happen. And then it’s perfectly fine for two other types to be in between.”

The new-look squad has also impressed ESPN analyst Kees Kwakman following PSV’s 5-1 victory over FC Groningen.

Peter Bosz’s side had endured a difficult start, losing 4-0 to AZ Alkmaar in the Johan Cruyff Shield before drawing 2-2 with Fortuna Sittard. Against Groningen, however, PSV recovered from an early 0-1 deficit to produce a convincing victory.

Ruben van Bommel was at the heart of the performance, contributing to four of PSV’s five goals on his return from a serious injury last season.

Kwakman believes the winger has now demonstrated that he has regained his physical sharpness.

“Ruben van Bommel is really back again completely, and that is great. Of course it’s only one match, but he was very good. After the match he also said that it felt like a liberation for him. His qualities are of course known and he has now shown that he is fully back physically as well.”

For Kwakman as relayed by PSV Inside, the performance also served as a statement from the reigning champions.

“This was definitely a statement from PSV. They have shown that they are still very good and, from a footballing perspective, still have the best squad in the Netherlands.”

There remains one area where the analyst believes Bosz still has work to do. Despite the emphatic scoreline, PSV again showed vulnerabilities at the back.

“But this match also showed again that there is still work to be done defensively.”

With the arrivals of Sano, Kostić and Geertruida now added to a squad featuring Perišić and a rejuvenated Van Bommel, PSV’s summer recruitment has begun to alter both the mood around the club and the options available to Bosz.