The recent Champions league performance by PSV Eindhoven has sent shockwaves through Italian football circles, particularly following their dominant display against Napoli. The Italian champions were unexpectedly overwhelmed by a formidable PSV side,a result that caught many by surprise.
Even prominent Italian sports publication, La Gazzetta dello Sport, acknowledged the impressive showings from PSV’s midfield duo, Jerdy Schouten and ismael Saibari. While Schouten’s capabilities were already recognized by major italian clubs like Lazio,AC Milan,Inter Milan,Juventus,and Napoli,Saibari has onyl recently garnered important attention from Italian media this season.
Schouten, who previously played for Bologna from 2019 to 2023, was reportedly a target for several top Italian clubs. However, he ultimately chose a move to PSV. Reports suggest that Bologna favored a transfer to AC milan due to a higher offer, but Schouten’s preference was to join PSV.
La Gazzetta dello Sport has been particularly vocal about PSV’s commanding performance against Napoli, dedicating an entire article to schouten and Saibari. The newspaper highlighted their dominant play, attributing a significant portion of Napoli’s stunning 6-2 defeat to their influence.
The headline of the article, Saibari and Schouten, these are the gems of PSV who moved Napoli to tears,
encapsulates the sentiment. The publication likened their roles on the field, stating, One acted as conductor, the other as first violinist,
referring to Schouten and Saibari respectively. The article further noted that these two PSV players have caught the eye of scouts, suggesting they could soon become attractive prospects for major European clubs, including those in Italy.
Regarding Schouten, La Gazzetta dello Sport commented on his current form, noting, At the age of 28, he has reached the peak of his maturity, but without sacrificing his playing style,
a testament to his development as leaving Bologna for PSV over two years ago.
Saibari received equally high praise. An analysis published two days after the PSV-Napoli match stated, Physically strong, good at reading and finding space, decisive for the goal: in short, complete. But if there is a player in Europe with guaranteed performance and still accessible to Italian teams, it is Saibari,
highlighting his all-around abilities and potential accessibility for Italian clubs.
