PSV head into the international wreckage with a Geertruida problem
The Dutch federation said it plainly: Lutsharel Geertruida has left the national squad with an injury and will not face Serbia (5). He has returned to Eindhoven (4). That is the news that matters most this week, because PSV are third in the Eredivisie on 16 points from seven games, with a goal difference of +14, and their best defender just walked back in the door carrying a question mark (4).
The week the squad scattered
The international break is a gift to nobody. Geertruida's injury came in Friday's training session, and Xavi Hernandez called up no replacement (4). That is how it happens: your centre-back is fine on Thursday and back in Eindhoven on Sunday.
Because the internationals did not all go badly. Ruben van Bommel set up Cody Gakpo in the Netherlands 1–1 draw with Germany (4) (7) (12). Johan Derksen reached for the highest shelf available: "Cruijff was van buitenklasse, maar deze jongen..." (7). Paul Wanner came off the bench and provided an assist in Austria 3–1 Israel (12). Kodai Sano started in Japan 3–1 Uruguay (12). Armando Obispo played the full 90 in Curaçao 4–3 Costa Rica, a comeback from three goals down (12). Dennis Man scored, and Romania still lost 1–2 to Sweden (11) (13). Mauro Junior made his national team debut on Friday: "Het is nog maar het begin." (9).
Get the next PSV Eindhoven brief by email
This article went out to subscribers as a brief. Get the next one straight to your inbox, free.
Free · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime
He is 18. That is not a typo in the schedule.
The market has already priced this squad
Transfermarkt's new update values the PSV squad at 304.65 million euros, still the highest total in the Eredivisie (10). Van Bommel and Noah Fernandez are the biggest risers (10). German media are already calling the Van Bommel situation a record: "Dit wordt de grootste Eredivisie-transfer allertijden" (6).
Take the noise how you like. The point is that PSV are no longer being assessed as a club that develops talent. They are being assessed as a club that sells it, and the price keeps climbing.
What to watch
The next confirmed fixture is Heerenveen at home on Friday, October 9, 20:00 CEST. PSV's last league outing was a 3–2 defeat away to FC Twente on September 20, so there is a point to make. More pressing: who plays at the back with Geertruida's fitness still unresolved, and whether Van Bommel can keep scoring through the transfer racket.
