Football Season Guide

The past season represented a proper redemption for PSV, compared to the previous campaign when they had finished 4th, one of their worst results in the last 40 years. In fact, although they made it to the second spot, they were never really in contention for the title as the 16-point gap between them and Ajax illustrates. Coach Roger Schmidt’s work was deemed positive by the management and he was been retained for the new season. After all, PSV lost 4 games, only Ajax did better, held the Eredivisie second-best defence, with 35 goals conceded, and the third-best attack, with 74 goals scored, and held the title winners to draws in both league games, while losing the KNVB Cup clash. The summer saw PSV parting ways from two of their better players: 22 year old Malen, 40 goals and 18 assists in the last 3 campaigns, left for Borussia Dortmund while Rosario, anchor of the midfield for the past 4 seasons, was sold to Nice. Moreover, they let go players like midfielder Fein and centre-back Baumgartl, who had not had many opportunities to shine. Goalie Unnerstall, who never had a chance under Schmidt, was traded for a much younger and more promising Drommel, who did well at FC Twente. Newly-arrived Mwene could become a important player at right-back while Ramalho, who won a lot in Salzburg, could form a very tight pair in the heart of the defence with Boscagli. Propper should only represent a back-up for the midfield while Van Ginkel, whose loan from Chelsea was made permanent, could be the man designated to replace Rosario among the starters, provided that he avoids further injuries. With their main scoring source gone and with Zahavi, the other striker, now 34, PSV need at least another prolific forward, unless they expect 20-year-old Vertessen, 2 goals and 3 assists last season, to step up and turn into the next Malen.