Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac delivered a detailed and glowing assessment of midfielder Joey Veerman, calling him a “very intelligent player” whose rapid decision-making benefits the entire team, Voetbalzone reported.
Veerman, who joined Dortmund from PSV for 22 million euros this summer, has established himself as a regular starter after an initial adjustment period to the Bundesliga’s intensity.
Kovac Credits Veerman’s Intelligence
Speaking at a press conference before Dortmund’s match against SV Elversberg, Kovac explained why Veerman has thrived in Germany. He noted the difference in playing style between the Netherlands and Germany, emphasizing that Veerman’s ability to simplify the game is a key asset.
“What I appreciate so much about Joey with the ball is his simplicity,” Kovac said. “In that simplicity lies the difficulty, but also the beauty. You don’t need to do tricks or complicated things; he tries to bring the game from back to front.”
Kovac highlighted Veerman’s anticipation and quick thinking, stating that the Dutch midfielder finds solutions before he even receives the ball. “He is a very intelligent player who looks ahead,” the coach said. “He doesn’t try to find a solution when he has the ball, but has the solution ready before he receives the ball. That means his decision-making is lightning-fast. That benefits not only him, but especially the team.”
German Media Praise Veerman’s Performance
The positive assessment from Kovac aligns with the opinions of German media following Dortmund’s 2-1 win over Elversberg. Veerman played the full match and was widely praised for his contributions, VoetbalPrimeur reported.
Ruhr24 gave Veerman a 3 out of 5 for his performance, noting his “pure passes” and stating he covered 12.6 kilometers, making him the most energetic player on the pitch. The outlet also mentioned his involvement in the buildup to the first goal.
Niko Kovac on Joey Veerman: "You could tell that Joey needed a bit of time to settle in. The pace of the game in Germany is really much more intense than in the Netherlands. Here, the defending is much more frequent and intense. Over there, they certainly place much more… pic.twitter.com/A7OceIc3P0″
Spox was even more impressed, awarding Veerman a 2 out of 5. The outlet highlighted his “good game insight and fast actions,” and specifically praised his “perfectly timed long pass to Silva” that led to the opening goal, calling it a “good performance.”
Fussballdaten also gave Veerman a 3, citing his “highest pass accuracy of all players in the first half” and his “constantly high work rate,” according to VoetbalPrimeur.
Veerman’s Rise to a Dortmund Starter
Veerman’s path to becoming a regular starter for Dortmund was not immediate. He initially alternated between the bench and the starting lineup, Voetbal International reported. However, he has started each of Dortmund’s last five matches, cementing his role under Kovac.
The 27-year-old Dutchman admitted he needed time to settle into the demands of the Bundesliga. Kovac acknowledged this, stating, “You could see that Joey needed a little time to settle in.” He explained the difference in intensity, saying, “The pace of the game in Germany is really much more intense than in the Netherlands. Here defending is much more frequent and intense.”
Dortmund-trainer Niko Kovac spreekt minutenlang over Joey Veerman en komt tot duidelijke conclusie: ‘Hij is…’ https://t.co/F2OgNLFFFj
Despite the higher intensity, Kovac sees Veerman’s strengths as being perfectly suited for the transition. “In the Netherlands, much more value is placed on the football itself,” he said. “You can see that because of that, Joey certainly belongs to the best in the Bundesliga when it comes to his game on the ball.”
A New Chapter in Veerman’s Career
Veerman's move to Dortmund advances his career. The transfer was officially confirmed on August 18, 2026, with the German club paying approximately 22 million euros to PSV, Groot-Waterland reported. Veerman signed a contract until the summer of 2031 and was assigned the number 25 shirt, making it his first experience playing abroad.
Over his career at PSV, Veerman played 198 official matches, scoring 31 goals and providing 66 assists, Groot-Waterland noted. His move to Dortmund provided him with the opportunity to showcase his talents in the Bundesliga and on the European stage.
At Dortmund, Veerman’s primary qualities—technique, vision, and passing—have come to the forefront. He is not known for his speed or physical power, but rather his ability to split a defense with a single, well-timed long pass, a trait that has made him an invaluable asset for his new team.
What’s Next for Veerman and Dortmund
With his integration into the team complete, Veerman will look to continue his strong form as Dortmund push for honours in both the Bundesliga and European competitions. His next opportunity to impress will be in the upcoming league and Champions League matches.
His development will also be watched by the Netherlands national team, where he has already made his mark. Veerman debuted for “Oranje” in June 2023 under coach Ronald Koeman, providing an assist in a 3-2 loss to Italy in the Nations League.
