Plenty has changed in the PSV squad this week. Key man Joey Veerman has left for Borussia Dortmund, while Peter Bosz has also welcomed two new signings in Filip Kostic and Lutsharel Geertruida.
"To me it is clear that Joey has been very important for PSV and that he has helped ensure that we have become champions three times in a row," Bosz said at Friday's press conference about Veerman's departure. "He has performed for years at the national top level, because that is what we are."
Bosz has no doubts about Veerman's chances in the Bundesliga. "If you look at his strengths, then it is top. If you only look at his weaker points, then it is a different story. But he has really improved in that area."
"Joey has become better defensively, tracks back more and wins more second balls. Of course, things will still sometimes pass him by, but you have to set up your team well to get the best out of him. He places balls perfectly for people making runs in behind, after a transition."
PSV had already signed Kodai Sano as more or less Veerman's replacement, and this week they also confirmed the arrival of the in-demand Geertruida. The defender trained with the squad for the first time on Friday and, according to Bosz, made an excellent impression.
"A good player who anticipates well, who is used to playing defensively with a lot of space in behind," Bosz said. "At heart, simply a very good footballer, one I had spoken with before as well."
Geertruida's move to PSV is a delicate one, but personally there were never any issues. "There were two parties who really wanted this very much and in the end the third party (RB Leipzig, ed.) also had to agree. That worked out. I do understand that Feyenoord fans are disappointed, by the way, but you can also go too far. Even if you are a huge Feyenoord supporter, you should still respond with respect," Bosz concluded.