Ruben van Bommel’s impressive display in PSV’s 5-1 win over FC Groningen has earned major praise from former PSV striker Wim Kieft.

The analyst believes the 22-year-old winger has the ambition and qualities to develop into a major player, while comparing him to Cody Gakpo.

Van Bommel was one of the standout performers at the Philips Stadion on Sunday, causing constant problems for Groningen right-back Jorg Schreuders and contributing directly to four of PSV’s five goals.

His performance has strengthened the belief that the winger is finding his rhythm again after a serious injury kept him out for a significant period.

Kieft was particularly impressed by Van Bommel’s ambition and willingness to take responsibility in attacking situations.

“I think he’s going to become a big player. What I like about him, and what you see in players who can grow into big ones, is ambition. Grabbing the moment. That took Ismael Saibari a very long time before he had it, although he is also a good player. He really wants that,” Kieft said on the NOS Voetbalpodcast, as quoted by PSV Inside.

However, the former PSV player believes Van Bommel still has work to do before he reaches his best level following his year-long absence.

“He has been out for a year. I think he may not yet be ready to completely destroy a truly good right-back, but that guy is getting there,” Kieft added.

NOS commentator Arman Avsaroglu also highlighted another factor that could help Van Bommel settle back into football without the same external pressure.

“What I also really like for Van Bommel is that he doesn’t constantly have to go to the stands to watch his father’s shots anymore. He should be in Bruges or Brussels during the weekend. It was Bert van Marwijk and Mark van Bommel sitting next to each other. That is also annoying, it seems to me, for a guy like that. With the expectations,” Avsaroglu said.

Kieft then compared Van Bommel’s playing style to that of former PSV favourite and current Netherlands international Cody Gakpo.

“He makes you think of Gakpo, he just does it more on the outside. But well, he has a lot of options,” the former striker explained.

Despite the comparison, Kieft believes a place in the Netherlands squad is not yet within Van Bommel’s immediate reach, particularly with Gakpo still occupying a prominent role.

“Well, you’ve got Gakpo then. I don’t think he’s going to win it there. I also wouldn’t know where Gakpo would have to play otherwise,” said the former international.

For now, Van Bommel’s focus remains on building consistency after his lengthy injury lay-off. His performance against Groningen, however, provided a strong indication of the attacking threat he can offer PSV when given space to operate.