ESPN analysts Kenneth Perez and Marciano Vink believe the current PSV squad has a different identity from the teams that dominated Dutch football in recent seasons, pointing to the importance of hard work and collective spirit alongside the absence of several technically gifted players.

Peter Bosz’s side drew 1-1 with Feyenoord at the Philips Stadion on Sunday, despite enjoying a strong first half. Guus Til gave PSV a deserved lead, but Anis Hadj Moussa equalised shortly after the interval, leaving the Eindhoven club four points behind Feyenoord after ten matches.

Speaking on ESPN’s Dit was het Weekend, Perez and Vink discussed the changes within the PSV squad, with both highlighting how players such as Til, Mauro Júnior and Armando Obispo have become increasingly important.

Perez has previously admitted that Til is not the type of midfielder he naturally favours. The former midfielder prefers technically elegant players capable of unlocking defences with incisive passes, rather than those whose greatest strengths lie elsewhere.

However, he acknowledged that Til has repeatedly proved his value to PSV, particularly when the team has struggled to find solutions.

“What I especially said is that he really isn't my type of player. I do prefer more graceful footballers, who can make those nice through balls,” Perez said.

He recalled how Til had previously been left out when PSV were searching for a different approach, only to return and become an influential figure once again.

“He's also always been the one, in earlier years, when things weren't going so well for PSV, and they said: 'Til, you just come and have a seat for a bit. We think with a different approach...' And then it turned out that wasn't possible, and then Til was still, every time, the talisman or the driving force,” Perez added, as quoted by PSV Inside.

Til has become an important figure under Bosz over the past two seasons, and his goal against Feyenoord offered another reminder of his ability to deliver in significant matches.

Perez believes his importance reflects a broader change in the make-up of the PSV team.

“PSV is different. Mauro Júnior is important, Armando Obispo is important, Guus Til is very important. It's just a different PSV than the one we're used to,” he said.

Vink agreed with Perez’s assessment, pointing to comments made by Ivan Perisic about the current squad’s willingness to work hard.

The Croatian previously suggested that the team was working harder than any PSV squad he had experienced since arriving in Eindhoven in September 2024.

Vink believes the personnel available to Bosz helps explain that emphasis on collective effort, particularly with several influential creative players absent.

“When you look at the players, you understand that too. There’s no Malik Tillman, Ismael Saibari, or Joey Veerman in the team. It’s a different type of PSV,” he said.

“I think the work ethic and the willingness to fight for each other is very high at PSV. You saw that in the first half. But then you miss a Tillman, who makes it 2-0.”

PSV’s intensity helped them control much of the opening period against Feyenoord, but they could not turn that advantage into a more commanding lead. Hadj Moussa’s equaliser changed the momentum, and the hosts were unable to restore their advantage.

While both analysts recognised the value of PSV’s work rate, Perez also stressed that the team’s current approach comes with a trade-off.

The absences of Tillman, Saibari and Veerman have reduced the creative options available to Bosz, leaving PSV without some of the players capable of producing the incisive passes and moments of technical quality that characterised previous sides.

Perez summed up that concern with a brief assessment: “Also in terms of prettiness, you simply miss that.”

The comments underline the challenge facing Bosz as PSV attempt to remain competitive in the title race. The team continues to show commitment and resilience, but the draw against Feyenoord demonstrated how difficult it can be to turn dominance into victory without the same level of creativity and attacking quality.

With PSV four points behind the league leaders, restoring that balance could prove crucial in the weeks ahead.