Dissecting Peter Bosz’s PSV playstyle and also looking at some of their key players who can rock up a performance vs the Gunners
With the group stage games coming to a dramatic end, the knockout stages are bracing the fans for an all timer in the UCL like always! Arsenal travel away to the Dutch homeland as they take on Peter Bosz’s PSV side who recently knocked out Juventus
The defending champions of the Eredivisie have had a competitive season domestically as of now – 71 goals scored whilst trailing the title to Ajax by 5 points. Going strong with the management of their coach, PSV will look to continue their form
PSV’s side have a mixture of talented youngsters and a good set of leaders in their veterans. This disposal of such players has helped the Dutch side dominate game situations whilst constantly improve their dynamics. Let’s dive into their playstyle
Peter Bosz is known for operating his side in a 4-2-3-1 that narrows to a 4-3-3 easily. Variances are common in game scenarios. Given the Dutch genes, Bosz prioritises an offensive style of play in his tactics that flaunts fast paced & free flowing football from defence to attack
In Possession – PSV has a side have a mixture of spatial awareness and tempo setting as their key elements. Wingers who like to run into half spaces + fullbacks who are overlappers + creative output from the centre helps them create clear cut scoring chances.
They are also a team that prioritises pressing from the first phase whilst tactically creating positional changes. Very quick with their short passing options whilst occasionally, hitting long balls from the CBs that see their overloads change to degree of threat for the frontline
Out of Possession – PSV operate with a risky high line where the single pivot drops between the 2 CB’s whilst the sides fullbacks who usually overlap the wingers drop deeper to aid the wider areas of the pitch. A side that usually dominates possession has a good routine to win back the ball and recycle it into transitions
Although Bosz’s intended attacking nature has yielded in goals, his defensive structure is critiqued quite often to be a high risk – high reward structure. Some could argue it’s eventful but on the greater depths, it remains to be an issue tactically
Recent Form in the UCL:
Facing Arsenal in the RO16 comes with due to the expense of clinically overcoming Juventus 4-3 on an aggregate with a motive oriented comeback. A game of two legs – struggling to make the difference in the first leg > created plenty to get over the line in the second leg
There’s absolutely no doubt PSV deserved to advance further – upped their pressing tempo + physically dominated the Italians to win their duels. Now that we have an idea on PSV’s playstyle, let’s dive deeper into some of their;
Key players:
Johan Bakayoko
21 | RW | 5’10
The Belgian is an archetype winger that has mastered cutting inside and shooting from his left. Technically very refined with his progressive passing + carrying. Once inwards, he can find players BTL or through the channels.
Noa Lang – Dutch
25 | LW | 5’10
As a front footed dribbler, Lang has brilliant ball control + acceleration, mixing it with his agility + balance. Watch out for his flair/tekkers to create space and slide passes or crosses into channel runners while dribbling
Ismael Saibari – Moroccan
24 | AM | 6’1
The Moroccan is a pass first type of a AM profile that looks to spam volumes of creativity. Imposes himself in the final third as a nuisance in all phases > good shot taking actions + technique is brilliant
Guus Til – Dutch
27 | CM/AM | 6’0
One of his best skills is his refined yet creative passing/crossing technique where he accurately finds the dip + curl to reach its target – very good from wider areas + creating transitions with a line breaker. Can come out to be there overly expressive player
Ryan Flamingo | Dutch
22 | CB | 6’2
Operating as a CB, Flamingo’s defensive qualities keep him bay in key game scenarios. Game IQ is superb > imposes himself in blocking passing lanes + last ditch tackles + animatedly curb danger. Passing technique is off the charts!
Jerdy Schouten – Dutch
28 | DM/CM | 6’0
Functioning as a midfield general, Schouten’s ability to tackle opponents and intercepting play to win possession is very good – likes to stay close to his marker and pounce on lose balls. Strong ball mastery + passing radius + composure.
Joey Veerman – Dutch
26 | CM/DM | 6’1
Veermen finds himself in the heart of every action – nucleus of the side in terms of having the vision + technique in passing to boost assist charts. Doesn’t take time on the ball to overcomplicate actions > glides across the pitch and simplifies play
The Veterans:
Luuk De Jong x Ivan Perisic: De Jong’s aerial prowess is a certain game changer for the side – a traditional target man #9. Another one from the bunch is Perišić who demonstrates immense value to this PSV side in bringing in crosses to the box > versatility in positions > experience tactically
Key Battles:
Mauro Junior vs Ethan Nwaneri: A battle that’ll be very front footed – a smart + ambitious winger vs an aggressive ball winner. Mauro can’t afford to overcommit into dribbles, he’ll need to hold his ground and make most of his game IQ to interpret game patterns against a tricky teenager
Noa Lang vs Jurien Timber: Lang’s illustrious + skilful nature is a blessing, but coming up against a locking down defender in Timber is a task in itself. He’d need to be at the best of his game – tricking him with skills might not be the best option but rather look for passing lanes to create space
Bakayoko vs Riccardo Calafiori: Calafiori has found it difficult to come against tricky winger and Bakayoko is another example of one. Bakayoko can bait Calafiori into battles whilst completely bamboozling him – the Italian would have to curb his attacking
A game of two halves is expected. Arsenal haven’t been at their fierce form lately due to the injuries and squad rotations. Haven’t been able to score those goals. PSV however have a good record in front of goal and should do the most to take an home advantage to the second leg!