PSV Eindhoven returned to the top of the Eredivisie with a convincing 4-1 victory over Sparta Rotterdam, but Peter Bosz was quick to identify an area that still requires improvement.

Sven Mijnans was the standout player at the Philips Stadion, scoring three times as PSV responded strongly in domestic competition. The midfielder completed his hat-trick with a superb finish, while Bosz praised his work rate and adaptation since arriving at the club.

Despite the comfortable final score, Bosz was not entirely satisfied with PSV's defensive work during transitions.

“We’re taking the three points, and that’s important, but especially during transitions, we gave away too many chances,” Bosz said.

“There will likely be more clubs that will use that as a tactic. We handled it well for the most part, but it still wasn’t good enough.”

The PSV coach contrasted the performance with Thursday's Champions League meeting against Shakhtar Donetsk, when PSV kept their opponents away from goal for long periods despite being held to a 1-1 draw.

“Against Shakhtar, we sprinted back much faster after losing possession, and we did so with an intensity that we perhaps lacked a bit tonight,” Bosz explained.

The presence of Mitchel van Bergen also presented a different challenge, while Bosz acknowledged that fatigue may have played a role after the demanding European fixture.

“They also have a fast player in Van Bergen, which might make it a bit harder to play against them. In addition, I gave a few guys a rest. Kodai and Paul, for example, also played against Shakhtar, and you can really feel that when you have to play again just two days later.”

Bosz stressed that PSV could not afford to become complacent simply because they were scoring freely.

“Yes, it certainly matters. It stayed 2-1 for a long time, and even though you have a lot of possession, it can just as easily become 2-2.”

While Bosz focused on the areas PSV must improve, Mijnans enjoyed the finest individual performance of the afternoon.

The midfielder scored with his head, left foot and right foot, completing a memorable hat-trick.

“I aim for the far corner, and then of course you hope it just drops in like that. I train and practice that a lot,” Mijnans said when asked about his spectacular final goal.

Bosz has been impressed by the midfielder's application since his arrival and believes his work away from matchday has been central to his progress.

“From day one, he’s been working incredibly hard, and that’s the foundation,” Bosz said.

“Our attacking midfielders are always involved in pressing, and we do that differently than AZ does. That takes time.”

Bosz also praised Mijnans' personality and his relationship with the rest of the squad.

“He’s a good guy who gets along well with his teammates and is a pleasure to work with. I see that last goal of his almost every day at practice.”

The victory moved PSV back to the summit, although Bosz was keen to play down the significance of their position at this early stage.

“I’m glad we’re on top, but it doesn’t mean anything yet. I don’t know what else we’ll face this season, but we have to be ready. We have to stay composed and keep winning.”

For Mijnans, the performance was another step in his development and his attempt to establish himself as a regular starter.

“I’m growing right now, both in training and outside of it. I’m also working on how I want to perform on the field for PSV,” he said.

“That’s being rewarded today with a starting spot, and I’m glad it worked out this way. I’m just trying to show what I can do.”

The midfielder also acknowledged the competition for places within a squad packed with quality.

“There’s so much quality and confidence in this group; you can see that again today.”

Mijnans added: “The level of the entire roster is very high, and everyone is at a certain level. There are many players who have already been through a lot, myself included. I try to position myself well within the group.”

With PSV back on top and Mijnans making an increasingly strong case for regular involvement, Bosz's side now have another demanding stretch of the season ahead.