PSV Eindhoven may have strengthened their position in the Eredivisie title race with a statement victory over Ajax, but Wim Kieft believes it is far too early to crown Peter Bosz’s side champions.

PSV secured an entertaining 3-1 victory at the Johan Cruijff Arena last weekend, handing their rivals a significant setback on the fifth matchday of the season. The result also saw PSV collect all three points in Amsterdam for the first time since 6 November 2022.

Kieft, who played for both PSV and Ajax, assessed the contest on the KieftJansenEgmondGijp podcast. The former striker reflected on a first half in which both sides created and missed several significant opportunities.

Despite Ajax ultimately suffering a two-goal defeat, Kieft was impressed by what he saw from the Amsterdam side.

“I thought they played quite nicely,” the former striker said emphatically, as quoted by PSV Inside.

Ajax's performance represented a significant change from last season, when the club failed to play a meaningful role in the Eredivisie title race. PSV, meanwhile, dominated the campaign and secured their 27th national championship with considerable room to spare.

Bosz’s side made history by becoming the earliest-ever Eredivisie champions on 5 April. Feyenoord's 0-0 draw away to FC Volendam confirmed the title after PSV had beaten FC Utrecht 4-3 the previous day.

The picture looks different this season, however. Ajax have shown signs of being much more competitive, while PSV have also started strongly. Their victory in Amsterdam has put them in an early position of strength, but Kieft believes the title race remains wide open.

“PSV is not yet a champion,” Kieft said.

“We’re only five matches in, but they are still doing rather well.”

Kieft also highlighted Ricardo Pepi as a potentially important figure for PSV as the season develops. The American striker remains under pressure to deliver consistently in front of goal, particularly after Guus Til was often preferred in attacking areas last season.

For Kieft, PSV's ability to convert their chances could ultimately prove decisive in a title race that he expects to be considerably more competitive than the previous campaign.

“If Pepi also manages to score the goals. I’ve had a wonderful time,” Kieft added.

The 3-1 victory has given PSV an early advantage over Ajax, but with only five league matches completed, Kieft's assessment is clear: the champions may have made an important statement in Amsterdam, but the Eredivisie crown is still very much in play.