PSV Eindhoven’s opening-day draw with Fortuna Sittard has once again placed the spotlight on their defensive options, with analyst Robert Maaskant calling for the champions to bring in what he describes as a “beast” at the back.

Peter Bosz’s side looked set to begin their Eredivisie title defence with three points after recovering from a 1-0 deficit and taking a 2-1 lead through 18-year-old Noah Fernandez.

However, Édouard Michut struck in the second minute of stoppage time to earn Fortuna a 2-2 draw and deny PSV victory at the Philips Stadion.

The result came after Ryan Flamingo’s costly error had allowed Ole Romeny to put Fortuna ahead before half-time.

The defensive mistake did not go unnoticed by Maaskant, who believes PSV need greater strength and stability in the centre of their defence.

“When you make mistakes at moments like that, you get punished,” Maaskant said in a video for Sportnieuws.nl.

The former coach then highlighted PSV’s repeated changes in their central defensive positions.

“And I really think, because PSV has already switched things up a number of times now in those central positions at the back. I really think PSV needs to get a beast in there. If they go far in either the Champions League or become champions again,” he added, as relayed by PSV Inside.

Lutsharel Geertruida could fit the profile PSV need, according to Maaskant. The Netherlands international is capable of operating at both right-back and centre-back and has experience playing in different tactical systems.

“Of course, he can play both as a right-back and as a centre-back. He can also play in multiple systems,” Maaskant said.

“He has already proven that once at Feyenoord. So yes, that could be him.”

Maaskant also pointed to another factor that could make Geertruida attractive to PSV: his Dutch nationality and familiarity with the domestic game.

“We also know from PSV that they like to sign Dutch players to safeguard the culture a bit in Eindhoven. That people speak Dutch there. That always helps, of course,” he said.

Geertruida is therefore one name being discussed amid wider questions about PSV’s defensive depth.

PSV are also exploring options at right-back, with Davis Opoku attracting preliminary interest.

Transfer journalist Sacha Tavolieri reported that PSV have made an initial enquiry about the 18-year-old Oud-Heverlee Leuven defender. However, the interest remains at the information-gathering stage, and no concrete negotiations have taken place.

PSV would only be expected to pursue Opoku seriously if Sergiño Dest leaves Eindhoven.

Dest remains under contract until mid-2028 and reportedly has a €23 million release clause. PSV have indicated that they currently have no need to sell the United States international, with the club satisfied with his development and value to Bosz’s squad.

For now, the defensive recruitment picture remains open, but Maaskant’s message is clear: PSV need greater authority at the back if they are to sustain another title challenge and compete deep into Europe.