Football Season Guide

PSV failed to achieve the past Eredivisie title, despite holding the best defence of the league and losing fewer games than any other opponents, as a stuttering beginning of the new year cost them dear. Coach Mark Van Bommel, in his second year in charge, will now be expected to build on last season's almost perfect home record, all wins but 1 draw, while his boys will have to improve in terms of personality, especially when visiting the top sides. Van Bommel will have to make it without Angeliňo's assists and De Jong's goals, though, as the two key players left for pastures new. At left-back, the newly-arrived Lato and Boscagli will be contending for a start with the French-man also considered for a place at centre-back. In fact, the likes of Luckassen and Sainsbury do not seem ready to fill the shoes of Schwaab, who also quit. In the attack, with De Jong gone and Lozano and Bergwijn still liable to move, Lammers, back after an impressive stint at SC Heerenveen, will have to provide the goals together with Bruma and Malen, who could both become protagonists on the wings. In the midfield, youngsters like Ihattaren and Sadilek will be given more playing time while Afellay's return to the club where he started, represents a huge bet.