Sven Mijnans’ stunning hat-trick signals a turning point at PSV, proving that tactical versatility and relentless fitness are vital as Peter Bosz navigates a grueling multi-competition schedule.
Sven Mijnans has begun to find his rhythm at PSV after a difficult start, while Guus Til’s experience under Peter Bosz has highlighted the value of versatility and fitness in a demanding season.
Mijnans arrived from AZ in early July but initially found himself on the fringes of Bosz’s starting XI. That changed dramatically last Sunday when the midfielder produced a decisive performance against Sparta Rotterdam, scoring a hat-trick in PSV’s 4-1 victory.
The display also caught the attention of De Telegraaf PSV watcher Jeroen Kapteijns, who believes the 25-year-old will have an important role to play despite currently being viewed as something of a squad player.
‘Mijnans Will Still Play A Lot’
Speaking on De Telegraaf’s Kick-off podcast, Kapteijns pointed to PSV’s demanding schedule and the likelihood of injuries as reasons Mijnans should receive plenty of opportunities.
“Mijnans was of course great. They’re going to play so many matches and there will undoubtedly be more injuries. Sven Mijnans is now a bit of the number twelve, but he really will still play a lot.”
Mijnans’ ability to operate in several attacking and midfield positions gives Bosz another tactical option. His performance against Sparta also showed that he can make an impact when deployed higher up the pitch.
The midfielder started as the nominal striker against Sparta, with Guus Til operating behind him. He responded by scoring three times, underlining the depth of options available to Bosz.
Til’s Rise Offers A Precedent
Kapteijns also highlighted Til as an example of how a player can become increasingly important despite initial doubts about his place in Bosz’s plans.
Til joined PSV in 2022 and has become a significant figure under the current head coach. His work rate, movement and ability to operate in different attacking positions have repeatedly allowed Bosz to use him in a variety of roles.
“Everyone also thought that Guus Til wouldn’t play much under Peter Bosz, but at the end of the season he had about the most matches of anyone,” Kapteijns said.
That history is relevant to Mijnans’ current situation. Rather than being judged solely on his starting status, Kapteijns believes players such as Mijnans and Til can accumulate significant minutes because of what they offer across a long campaign.
“These kinds of guys are going to get a lot of playing time because of their fitness and because of their versatility. And also because they have an enormous amount of drive.”
As relayed by PSV Inside, Kapteijns was particularly impressed by Mijnans’ performance against Sparta.
“He really played a very good match against Sparta.”
![Bosz will need contributions from players beyond his first-choice XI [Reuters]](https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/63944016-dc05-4b6a-9d7b-9957fbd43207.jpeg)
Bosz will need contributions from players beyond his first-choice XI [Reuters]Bosz Has More Options
Mijnans’ hat-trick has therefore added another dimension to PSV’s attacking options. With domestic football, the Champions League and the demands of the season placing pressure on the squad, Bosz will need contributions from players beyond his first-choice XI.
For Mijnans, the task now is to build on his breakthrough performance and turn an impressive individual night into a sustained role within the PSV squad.
Til’s experience suggests that being outside the starting XI at the beginning of a season does not necessarily determine a player’s importance by its end. At PSV, versatility, fitness and the ability to contribute in different roles remain valuable qualities.
