ESPN analysts report after PSV’s win in Amsterdam: “He has earned his place in the Netherlands national team”

Ajax - PSV became PSV’s match with a leading role for Ruben van Bommel. In short, that can fairly be described as the Ajax - PSV story.

After the hot blockbuster match, the arrows naturally were aimed at Ruben van Bommel, but also at Hugo Borst, who in ESPN’s studio went on a rampage about Ruben van Bommel. Of course there were the necessary criticisms for Van Bommel after his heavy foul on Aaron Bouwman, but at the same time the son of Mark van Bommel also receives compliments for his play in Ajax – PSV.

According to analyst Karim El Ahmadi, PSV's left winger has made his way into the Netherlands squad. Arnold Bruggink also suspects that Xavi Hernández will call him up. In short, the Netherlands national team can no longer ignore Van Bommel.

"He has everything from a modern winger,” says Bruggink after PSV’s 1-3 victory over Ajax. “He wants the balls played deep, but also at his feet.” Bruggink saw Van Bommel storm down the flank past Anton Gaaei in the eighth minute. “He is so deadly fast in the first few meters. That gives him a lot of threat.”

Bruggink saw Van Bommel also play in a mature way in the sense that he saw that the winger read the game well. “Normally you wouldn’t do this as a forward, but he immediately after that gives a pass that opens up Ajax. He combines technique with insight and scoring ability. But his foul spoils the whole match.”

Karim El Ahmadi expects that Van Bommel will soon be called up by national team coach Xavi Hernández. “I think he’ll certainly be selected for Oranje, don’t you think?” Bruggink confirms his colleague’s account and says: “I think so, yes.” Xavi was in the stands on Saturday evening at the Johan Cruijff ArenA to see the big match with his own eyes.