Valentijn Driessen believes that PSV Eindhoven’s defence remains a major concern after their disappointing 2-2 draw with Fortuna Sittard.
PSV Eindhoven’s stuttering start to the new Eredivisie season has raised questions over the champions’ defensive strength, with journalist Valentijn Driessen arguing that the club must act before the transfer window closes.
Peter Bosz’s side surrendered a lead against Fortuna Sittard on Saturday, eventually drawing 2-2 after Édouard Michut’s stoppage-time equaliser. The result followed PSV’s heavy 4-0 defeat to AZ in the Johan Cruyff Shield.
For Driessen, the defensive issues are particularly concerning, with the absence of captain Jerdy Schouten making the situation more difficult.
Writing in his column for De Telegraaf, Driessen pointed back to PSV’s own assessment of their recruitment work last season.
Defensive Problem Remains
“In the autumn of 2025, PSV came with the self-produced documentary Ever change a winning team. A production by the club itself to put a feather in their behind about a successful transfer summer,” Driessen wrote, as relayed by PSV Inside.
However, he believes the club’s defensive shortcomings were already visible and were not sufficiently addressed.
“But even then, the problem was underestimated at the back by Stewart,” Driessen continued. “Soon, the Ryan Flamingo-Yarek Gasiorowski combination fell through, and Flamingo with Armando Obispo was no solution either.”
The journalist points to Schouten as the player who previously allowed Bosz to find an internal solution to the problem.
“Bosz solved it internally with Schouten, but this time, such an internal escape route is lacking,” Driessen added.
Schouten’s absence therefore carries added significance for PSV, particularly after the defensive errors that contributed to their difficult opening two competitive matches.
Stewart Urged To Act
Driessen believes the solution is straightforward: PSV need to strengthen at centre-back before the transfer window closes on September 2.
“Stewart will have to quickly lend a helping hand to his coach,” he wrote, arguing that the arrival of one central defender could prove decisive in the title race.
According to Driessen, that defensive reinforcement could ultimately matter more than potential departures involving some of PSV’s established players.
“That one little piece can make the difference between having a fourth PSV title in a row or not,” he said.
He believes it could be more significant than any potential transfers involving Joey Veerman, Sergiño Dest, Ivan Perisic or Guus Til during the remainder of the window.
PSV therefore face a crucial period of recruitment as they attempt to recover from their difficult start and build a squad capable of sustaining another title challenge.
