Kodai Sano has quickly established himself in PSV’s midfield since arriving from NEC, and the Japanese international is now focused on playing at the next World Cup alongside his brother Kaishu.

Sano made his PSV debut against Excelsior on 15 August and has barely left the starting XI since. After making his first start against FC Groningen, the midfielder has completed 90 minutes in every match, underlining how quickly he has established himself in Peter Bosz’s plans.

His club form has also earned him a return to the Japan squad for upcoming friendlies against Uruguay, Venezuela and Paraguay.

That represents another step for a player who was left out of Japan’s squad for the previous World Cup despite an impressive campaign at NEC.

Sano admitted that missing the tournament was disappointing but said his reaction was short-lived.

Former teammates Koki Ogawa and Kento Shiogai were selected for the trip to North America, while Sano’s brother Kaishu was also included.

“Honestly, I was only truly disappointed for a short moment. My brother Kaishu was selected, just like Koki and Kento. I was very happy for them above all.”

The PSV midfielder accepted that the decision was ultimately out of his hands.

“That I wasn’t there was my problem. No, I wasn’t angry, because it was the decision of the national team coach, not mine. At that time, he found others better.”

Sano is already looking much further ahead. His ambition is to make Japan’s squad for the next World Cup and potentially share the midfield with his brother.

“We have so many good players who play in Europe and keep getting better. And in four years I want to be at the World Cup on the pitch in midfield with my brother in Japan. Sano and Sano. That’s what I’m working towards now.”

Before that ambition can become reality, Sano has another major challenge ahead with PSV.

The midfielder will experience Champions League football against both Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid, including a trip to the Santiago Bernabéu.

The draw immediately caught his attention.

“When I saw the draw, I felt all kinds of things. A lot of emotion. I also had to laugh and thought: Wow, what is this? Atlético Madrid. Real Madrid.”

The prospect of playing at the Bernabéu remains difficult for him to fully comprehend.

“Playing at the Bernabéu, honestly, I still can’t quite picture it. Normally I’m not quickly nervous for a match, maybe now I am.”

Sano also recognises the demands of stepping onto that stage.

“I’m very curious whether I can quickly adapt to the required level.”

Despite the difficult fixtures, Sano is refusing to approach PSV’s Champions League campaign by calculating how many points the club needs from each match.

“But it’s not that I’m already counting points in my head. That doesn’t make sense. There are opportunities to win in every match.”

For the 22-year-old, preparation and performance will determine the outcome rather than the reputation of the opponent.

“If you don’t play well yourself, you can also lose to opponents you really shouldn’t lose to. That’s why I never think about it that way and I always go onto the pitch with the same mindset.”

As relayed by PSV Inside, Sano remains confident in PSV’s ability to compete in Europe, with that belief rooted in the quality within Bosz’s squad.

“I do have a lot of confidence in our Champions League campaign, but that comes from the qualities of our squad.”

For now, Sano’s immediate focus is PSV and Japan. But his long-term target is already clear: earning another World Cup opportunity and sharing the biggest stage in international football with his brother.