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Gasiorowski already a mainstay at PSV: ‘Immediately at ease in Eindhoven’
Almost silently, Yarek Gasiorowski has worked his way up to become one of PSV’s mainstays over the past five months. And to think that the long-haired Spaniard is only 20 years old.
In his first months in Eindhoven, Gasiorowski mainly impressed with his reliable play. Whether he has to make his sliding tackles at Anfield or in the Abe Lenstra Stadium, the player with a striking appearance remains remarkably unperturbed.
No one in Eindhoven doubts that Gasiorowski will be in the starting line-up tonight in the Champions League match against the Spanish top team Atlético Madrid. The defender has quickly managed to adapt to the tactical concept of PSV coach Peter Bosz, even to his own surprise.
“I also told everyone that I expected the start at PSV to be very tough, but the opposite is true. I felt at ease from the first moment and I was well included in the group,” says Gasiorowski.
Communicating with his new teammates was a bit difficult at first, but Gasiorowski found a grateful interpreter in Ismael Saibari. The Moroccan speaks a good word of Spanish. In the meantime, Gasiorowski is taking English lessons at PSV to make himself better understood.
Pain in the heart
With pain in his heart, the footballer left his childhood love Valencia behind him last summer, the club he had attended since he was seven.
Gasiorowski received little playing time last season and, on the advice of his agent, switched to PSV, which had competition from Feyenoord last summer.
“I think it’s one of the best things that ever happened to me, I’m very happy and enjoying it immensely,” says the Spaniard about his first months in Eindhoven.
Gasiorowski about Atlético Madrid: ‘They have been playing the same style for a long time’
That enjoyment may also be because Gasiorowski had Jerdy Schouten next to him in the heart of the PSV defense during the season. The Dutch international from Hellevoetsluis is currently going through a very strong period and Gasiorowski is benefiting from that van.
The two complement each other seamlessly: while Schouten often moves to midfield, Gasiorowski remains the lock on the door who is strong in the air.
In Spain they were surprised when the talented Gasiorowski chose PSV. “Even if they don’t say it out loud, they still think the Premier League is a lower level.”
Spain or Poland?
“But here the away games are also very difficult,” the defender emphasizes. “That’s because our opponents are super charged and want to beat us. The Premier League is a tough competition.”
On Tuesday evening in the confrontation against Atlético, Gasiorowski can show Spain that his choice for PSV has worked out well. “I don’t put that pressure on myself. I just try to give the best of myself to PSV and my teammates.”
Gasiorowski is a starter for Young Spain, but given his current performances he might be closer to being selected in the Spanish A-team by national coach Luis de la Fuente?
The footballer has a Spanish mother and Polish father. He can also opt for an international career with Poland. The Eastern European country can still qualify for the World Cup via the play-offs and would then end up in the Dutch group.
“I also follow Poland and see how they do. But I was born and raised in Spain,” he says. “So that’s what I chose, but you never know how things will turn out.”
“My father leaves the choice to me, but my mother would have more difficulty if I chose Poland.”
