Sven Mijnans has emerged as one of PSV's key attacking figures after his hat-trick against Cambuur helped the Eindhoven club return to the top of the Eredivisie.

His performance also prompted praise from the Dutch press, with one newspaper suggesting it would not have been surprising had he received a call-up to the Netherlands national team.

Mijnans was the standout performer in PSV's 5-2 victory in Leeuwarden on Sunday, scoring three times as Peter Bosz's side established a commanding 3-0 lead inside the opening 20 minutes. The result allowed PSV to reclaim first place after Feyenoord and Ajax both dropped points.

The contrast in Mijnans' fortunes over the past few weeks was particularly striking for Eindhovens Dagblad. The midfielder had been heavily criticised following PSV's 2-1 defeat away to ADO Den Haag on 17 October, when he received a red card that contributed to the team's downfall.

"Nothing is as changeable as top football," the newspaper wrote.

"Three weeks ago, Sven Mijnans was still PSV's scapegoat in The Hague. The reigning national champions went behind there, partly because of his mistake. On Sunday evening in Leeuwarden, Mijnans, after three excellent goals, was the sunshine at home for PSV, which had the sheep safely in the pen already after twenty minutes. PSV are back in first place."

The hat-trick underlined how quickly Mijnans has turned his season around. He has now scored nine goals, making him PSV's leading scorer and strengthening his case for recognition at international level.

His display also came at an important moment in the title race, with PSV taking advantage of the dropped points suffered by their closest rivals.

Mijnans was not the only PSV player to attract attention. Esmir Bajraktarevic also received considerable praise for his contribution, providing two assists during the victory.

The Bosnian forward played a key role in PSV's fast start, setting up two of the goals that helped Bosz's side establish their early advantage.

Eindhovens Dagblad highlighted the quality of his delivery, particularly in comparison with the difficulties PSV have experienced in that area in recent weeks.

"The quick 0-3 lead for PSV in Leeuwarden went up on the scoreboard, among other things, because the Bosnian forward provided two fine assists. Where Perisic's cross from the right side had sometimes faltered in the past period, Bajraktarevic had a different tune to sing," the newspaper observed,as quoted by PSV Inside.

The regional newspaper also noted an important difference between PSV's victory and the results recorded by Ajax and Feyenoord.

Both rivals had surrendered two-goal leads over the weekend. Feyenoord lost 5-3 away to Heerenveen after leading 2-0, while Ajax were held to a 2-2 draw by FC Twente after also going two goals ahead.

Although PSV conceded twice against Cambuur, they managed to protect their advantage and secure all three points.

"The way it unfolded, from the perspective of the new leader in the competition, gave a bit of food for thought. But where Ajax and Feyenoord stumbled after a big lead, PSV kept the ship steady at the very last moment," Eindhovens Dagblad wrote.

The victory means PSV remain in control of their own position at the top of the table. With Mijnans now established as their leading scorer, his remarkable turnaround has become one of the major talking points surrounding the club.