Kodai Sano has made a strong start at PSV, playing every minute since his debut, with Marcel Brands praising the summer signing’s quality, personality and mentality.

Kodai Sano has quickly established himself as an important part of Peter Bosz’s PSV squad.

Since making his debut in the 2-1 victory away to Excelsior on August 15, the Japanese midfielder has not missed a single minute in a PSV shirt. Signed from NEC for €15 million during the summer, Sano has already begun to justify the confidence placed in him by the Eindhoven club.

His latest contribution came on Sunday against Sparta Rotterdam, when he scored his first PSV goal. His strike put Bosz’s side 2-1 ahead at half-time after Sparta had taken an early lead following a mistake by goalkeeper Matej Kovar.

PSV eventually won 4-1, with Sven Mijnans completing a hat-trick.

PSV general director Marcel Brands has been particularly impressed by Sano’s adaptation since his arrival.

Speaking on Rondo on Ziggo Sport, Brands explained that the midfielder had exceeded even the expectations formed before his arrival.

“We found him to be a very good player; otherwise you wouldn’t buy him for that much money. When I saw him in the first few days, I thought he was even better than expected.”

Sano’s performances have not been the only aspect to impress the PSV hierarchy. Brands also highlighted how quickly the 20-year-old integrated into the dressing room.

“For a Japanese guy, he’s also a very open guy. He went straight to sit down at the table on the first day with Joey Veerman and the other big players.”

According to Brands, Sano immediately earned the respect of his new teammates.

“He was also immediately accepted, and everyone saw that he is a good player.”

Former PSV player Ruud Gullit also praised Sano’s willingness to demand possession and his ability to operate in tight areas.

“He really wants the ball as well and was good in small spaces.”

Rafael van der Vaart added another observation about the technical characteristics often associated with Japanese players.

“That's what those Japanese all have: they're often two-footed.”

Sano’s ability to receive and distribute the ball under pressure has been particularly useful in Bosz’s possession-based approach, while his willingness to remain involved has helped him become a regular presence in midfield.

Brands also praised Sano’s attitude away from matchdays.

The midfielder recently worked with a Japanese coach during training, focusing on exercises designed to improve short movements and quick changes of direction.

“This week he was training with a Japanese coach and working on all kinds of exercises for short movements.”

Brands believes Sano’s mentality has been an important part of his rapid adaptation.

“Those guys are training beasts and have a fantastic mentality." Brands concluded as quoted by PSV Inside.

For PSV, the early signs have been encouraging. Sano has combined an uninterrupted run of minutes with his first goal for the club while earning praise from the club’s hierarchy and former players.

With the season still in its early stages, his role in Bosz’s midfield is already becoming increasingly significant.