Joey Veerman and Johan Bakayoko are named Eredivisie Player and Johan Cruyff Talent of the Month

Only once before has a team started as well in the Eredivisie as the current team managed by Peter Bosz. PSV is unbeaten in the Eredivisie this season and has scored at least three goals in twelve of the thirteen matches played. In November, the Eindhoven side continued their strong performance, securing convincing victories against Heracles Almelo (0-6), PEC Zwolle (4-0), and FC Twente (0-3).

With thirteen wins and a goal difference of +43, the league leaders are even matching their most successful season ever. In the 1987/88 season, the year PSV won the treble, the Eindhoven team also started with thirteen victories and a goal difference of +43 (55 goals scored and 12 goal against). With the top spot in the Eredivisie and reaching the UEFA Champions League's round of 16, PSV continues to follow in the footsteps of its golden year.

One of the key players behind the current success is Joey Veerman. The Dutch international, in November, led all players in the Eredivisie with the highest number of created chances (17) and the most successful passes ending in the opponent's half (142). Moreover, only one player (Peer Koopmeiners) had more ball possessions won than Veerman (28), and the PSV player also showcased his productivity with a goal and an assist. These performances earned Joey Veerman two KPN Man of the Match elections.

Most goal-scoring opportunities created in Europe

The midfielder's tally for this season stands at three goals and seven assists. In the top ten leagues of Europe, Joey Veerman (with 63 created chances) is the only player who prepared more than 45 goal-scoring attempts for teammates. Additionally, since his debut for PSV on January 16, 2022, Veerman has provided 22 assists. Only Mike Trésor (27), Lionel Messi, Dusan Tadić (both 26), Kevin de Bruyne (23), and Ousmane Dembélé (22) have also contributed at least 22 assists in the largest ten European leagues during that period.

First Eredivisie Player of the Month award

For Joey Veerman this marks his first Eredivisie Player of the Month award. In February 2020, he previously won the Talent of the Month award while playing for sc Heerenveen. In addition to the trophy, the 25-year-old midfielder also receives an Eredivisie Player of the Month card in the EA SPORTS FC™ 24 game. Joey Veerman saw off competition from players including Quinten Timber (Feyenoord), Bart Vriends (Sparta Rotterdam), and Willum Willumsson (Go Ahead Eagles).

For the second consecutive month, 20-year-old Johan Bakayoko has been named Johan Cruyff Talent of the Month. The PSV forward had previously earned this recognition in February 2023 and October 2023.

Most dribbles and assists

The Belgian international played a crucial role in November, contributing to four goals (one goal and three assists). Bakayoko also attempted five shots on goal and completed thirteen successful dribbles, making him the Eredivisie player with the most successful dribbles this season (40). In addition to being a dribbling maestro, Bakayoko is impactful with his assists. Alongside Veerman, both with seven assists, he shares the second position in Europe. Only Union Saint-Gilloise player Cameron Puertas recorded more assists (9) in the largest ten European leagues.

PSV Foundation

As part of the award, the PSV player receives a €2,500 cheque for the PSV Foundation, presented on behalf of the VriendenLoterij (FriendsLottery). His selection also generated €5,000 to promote social projects organised by the Cruyff Foundation. In the monthly election, the Belgian player beat out Jorrel Hato and Ar'Jany Martha (both Ajax).

The Eredivisie Player of the Month, Johan Cruyff Talent of the Month, and the Eredivisie Team of the Month are selected based on statistics (Opta) and votes from football fans (KPN Man of the Match). These criteria also play a role in the shortlist for the Eredivisie Player of the Year and Johan Cruyff Talent of the Year awards. These awards, along with those in the Azerion Women's Eredivisie, are presented each season at the Eredivisie Awards.

The Eredivisie Player of the Month election is an initiative of the Eredivisie CV in collaboration with ESPN and EA SPORTS FC™ 24. The Johan Cruyff Talent of the Month election is organized by the Eredivisie CV in partnership with ESPN, the Cruyff Foundation, and the VriendenLoterij (FriendsLottery).