Here’s How USMNT Legend Earnie Stewart Changed PSV Eindhoven’s Fortunes

PSV Eindhoven has a case to be the most in-form soccer team in the world right now. The Dutch side has a perfect Eredivisie record with 15 wins in 15 games. Besides that, PSV also reached the UCL knockouts after 8 years. A whole host of factors have contributed to their spectacular form. However, the biggest reason stands out to be the appointment of Earnie Stewart as the sporting director in March.

The soccer legend served as the sporting director of the US men’s national team from 2018 to 2023 and is as experienced as they come. His appointment has visibly resulted in a super-surge of form on the pitch. Let us look at his crucial decisions that turned PSV Eindhoven into one of Europe’s most formidable clubs.

Appointment of Peter Bosz

The USMNT veteran struck gold with the appointment of former Dutch International Peter Bosz. Having played previously for Feyenoord and Vitesse, Bosz knows the inside out of Dutch soccer. The Dutchman is a big fan of Johan Cruyff and Pep Guardiola, and their inspiration can be seen in PSV’s free-flowing style of play.

Also, the appointment carried an element of risk as Peter Bosz did not have a trophy-laden career as a manager, with a 6-month spell at Borussia Dortmund being a low point. However, he has been exceptional at PSV and has picked up the Johan Cruyff Shield already with potentially an Eredivisie title on the way. Now, let’s shift our eyes to the club’s interesting transfer and recruitment strategy.

Earnie Stewart’s focus on USMNT players

Being a USMNT legend, the sporting director used his reputation to his advantage as he finalized deals for Sergino Dest, Malik Tillman, and Ricardo Pepi. All three of them are under the age of 24 and the perfect candidates for PSV’s project. Dest, the full-back is on loan from FC Barcelona and is the perfect fit for PSV. The reason being his technical security and pace.

Ricardo is a 20-year-old striker with a lot of maturity in his game. He has already scored 6 goals this season and made heads turn with his brilliant assist in the 1-1 draw against Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League. Tillman might not be a headline-maker like Pepi, but the fact that is on loan from Bayern Munich highlights the quality of the intelligent central midfielder.

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A smart and safe transfer approach

PSV were dealt a blow when Xavi Simons, who scored 22 goals and contributed 12 assists in the previous season, left for Red Bull Leipzig. However, they have duly compensated by making smart signings like Van Aanholt, Noa Lang, Jerdy Schouten, Hirving Lozano, and Armel Bella-Kotchap.

Noa Lang, the Dutch winger signed for $16.4 million is also the most expensive transfer in PSV’s history. Despite signing 10 players, PSV has emerged out of the transfer window with a net positive spend of $2 million. Thus highlighting the smart recruitment strategy implemented by Earnie Stewart and Co. It remains to be seen if this strategy reaps long-term rewards for the club.

Can PSV win the Eredivisie this season? Let us know in the comments below.

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