El Ahmadi says Geertruida gives PSV a new dimension on the ball

El Ahmadi has praised Geertruida’s influence in a new role for PSV, highlighting his comfort in possession and his determination to remain involved in the team’s build-up. Speaking on Dit Was Het Weekend, he said Geertruida appeared completely at ease whenever PSV had the ball.

As reported by Voetbal International, El Ahmadi believes Geertruida provides a quality PSV lacked last season: a player capable of making a decisive difference from that area of the pitch, particularly in possession. He pointed to Geertruida’s constant movement towards the ball and his frustration when team-mates instead choose a long pass.

El Ahmadi also argued that Geertruida can perform the role usually associated with Schouten. His presence can ease pressure on the players around him, with Armando Obispo given as one example of a team-mate who benefits from having a reliable passing option nearby.

Opponents may find the setup difficult to contain because PSV have several players capable of appearing in similar spaces. El Ahmadi named Kodai Sano, Sven Mijnans and Guus Til among the alternative threats available if Geertruida is marked closely. He added that Geertruida “moves like a number ten”, underlining the freedom and attacking intent with which he is currently interpreting the role.