Despite branding them the ‘favourites’ Van der Sar warns Juventus of PSV stars | OneFootball

In an interview with Gazetta dello Sport, Dutch goalkeeping legend Edwin van der Sar provided insight into Tuesday night’s Champions League playoff clash between Juventus and PSV.

In his chat with the renowned pink newspaper, the famed shot-stopper once of Ajax, Fulham, Manchester United, and Juventus warned his old Italian club of the threats that PSV pose.

“This time it’s a double encounter, but I think Juventus is still the favourite. Let’s say sixty percent for Juve and forty percent for PSV. (…) Bakayoko, Lang and Perisic pose a threat when they cut in from the flanks and De Jong is a striker who knows how to score goals.”

Speaking of the Juve side, Van der Sar continued, “I’ve known Koop (Teun Koopmeiners) since his time at AZ. We scouted him for Ajax. He’s a crucial player for the Dutch national team and I’m sure he’ll be just as important for Juve. He has to play off the pressure.”

While Koopmeiners is expected to start on the bench, the same can’t be said for another familiar face in Francisco Conceição. Following on from a somewhat underwhelming spell at Ajax, the Portuguese winger has become an important asset to the Turin giants.

“He is my favourite player. A great talent with a top mentality. He never holds back and is determined.”

“When Francisco played for Ajax, I was the director. He is a good boy. I am happy for him and for the club, because he was a great signing. With his mix of movements and dribbling, he can be decisive in the duels with PSV. Francisco only needs a few flashes of fancy to make the difference.”

(Sourced: Voetbal International)

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield