Dutch football in trouble: Driessen slams PSV's point against Shakhtar

Valentijn Driessen says on NH Radio that Dutch football is slipping further away, after PSV failed to beat Shakhtar Donetsk from Ukraine in the Champions League (1‑1). He points to the disappointing results of PSV and Feyenoord as evidence.

Driessen paints a bleak picture

“You can simply see right now that Dutch football is a size too small, even for Ukraine,” Driessen opens in the Sportcafé, pointing to the results of PSV and also Feyenoord (5‑1 defeat against FC Barcelona). “It’s a pity, but at the same time a disgrace.”

He adds that the European ranking of the Netherlands is falling, resulting in fewer direct spots in the Champions League: “Next year only one team will be directly qualified… That is really a pity for the development of Dutch football.”

Driessen emphasizes that a lot of money can be earned directly and indirectly in the Champions League, but that PSV, in his view, showed too little creativity. “They really missed Saibari and Veerman,” he says.

He also turns his focus to Ajax and their youth policy. “If you bring in so many players, your role as a youth developer, which Ajax was known for, disappears. That is now completely gone.” He believes Ajax relies too much on quick signings instead of a balanced mix of homegrown development and a few acquisitions.

Finally, Driessen warns that the lack of a solid youth structure harms the long‑term development of Dutch football. “You actually need to know how to find a balance,” he concludes, while labeling the current situation as a “disgrace”.