After a year of World Cup drama, injury and a failed Premier League move, PSV striker Ricardo Pepi is focused on the future.

The 23-year-old American wants another Eredivisie title and aims to become the league’s top scorer.

There is little doubt when Ricardo Pepi talks about goals. The PSV striker was involved in a global sporting controversy at the World Cup, saw a proposed move to the Premier League collapse earlier this year and later suffered a broken arm. Yet amid all of that, Pepi helped PSV win the Eredivisie title and continued to find the net.

Now, with another campaign underway and a major clash against Ajax approaching, his focus is firmly on what comes next.

“I’ve been putting the ball in the net my whole life, and I’ll keep doing it,” Pepi said in Eindhoven, in an interview with PSV Watcher Rik Elfrink of Eindhovens Dagblad, during the week before Saturday's meeting with Ajax.

The start to the new season has not been straightforward for the American, however. His recent performances have attracted criticism, including from former PSV, Ajax and Netherlands striker Wim Kieft, who questioned whether Pepi had rediscovered his usual clinical touch.

Pepi's response is straightforward: he needs opportunities to score.

“How could I have scored if I didn't get a chance on goal?” he said.

“The team can't function well, like last weekend, if I don't do what I'm supposed to do. I’ve come so far compared to three years ago, but my primary job remains scoring goals. That’s what I’ve always done, wherever I’ve been.”

Pepi's eventful year also included an unforgettable World Cup experience with the United States.

A decision surrounding Folarin Balogun's suspension had a direct impact on Pepi's prospects of starting, leaving him on the bench for the match against Belgium. The episode generated significant discussion, but Pepi has chosen to remember the tournament for what it represented.

“What can I say about it? The World Cup was a dream, even though I would have liked to make a bigger impact in sporting terms. Experiencing this and representing my country on the biggest stage of all? It has been a huge honor for me and my family. First of all, I don’t want to turn anything into a political issue.”

He added: “But it was certainly special to meet the President, and his speech to our group was beautiful and sincere.”

The experience also reinforced his approach to competition and team responsibilities.

“I’m the kind of player who sticks with the team, even in a situation like that. Sitting on the bench isn't easy at all. Coaches say things to you that you really don't want to hear. It toughens you up, for the rest of your career, for the rest of your life.”

“I’ll never resign myself to being a substitute, but you still have to remain a good teammate. Ultimately, you have to earn your playing time. It’s as simple as that.”

Despite the criticism, Pepi insists there is no reason for concern.

“People shouldn't overreact,” he said. “I keep scoring. The goals will definitely come again. Personally, I only focus on the things I can control. After the World Cup, I told my agent that I definitely want to stay at PSV this season. To play regularly for a full year and keep working on the things I can improve.”

That decision means Pepi is beginning his fourth season in Eindhoven. A move to London was possible in January, but his life is now firmly rooted in the Netherlands.

“It’s great for me to be here. I know from all my experience in football that PSV is home to genuine, good people. I lived in the city for a while, but I’ve since moved to a nearby village (Leende, ed.). I feel comfortable there; it offers peace and space.”

There is also a more personal motivation for the striker. Pepi wants to hear his own goal song at the Philips Stadion as frequently as possible.

“I think it’s amazing that PSV came up with that for me,” he said.

“Scoring is addictive; and then hearing the music your own supporters created for you? It feels incredible. Just like scoring in the dying seconds to decide a match, something I’ve had the chance to experience a few times. As a team, it’s better to score as early as possible, but a late goal like that brings such an amazing release of emotion.”

“It’s really unlike anything else. You celebrate so intensely with the fans, and for some people, it becomes a lifelong memory. It’s addictive, too. I think it’s one of my strengths: being able to maintain focus every single second, right up to the very last one. That’s part of the right mentality, too.”

The next opportunity comes on Saturday evening at the Johan Cruijff Arena, where PSV face Ajax in the first major Eredivisie clash of the season.

For Pepi, the target is clear: help PSV defend their title while challenging for the individual scoring crown.

“People seeing me as a top scorer? That doesn't put me under pressure. I view it as a compliment, and I have high expectations of myself, too.”