Reading through some comments on Reddit from PSV fans. Instead of copy and pasting 10 comments across different threads I’ll just summarize the posts.
Overwhelmingly the impression of this guy is very positive. And funny enough when they signed him a lot of them had similar concerns as many on this forum.
Apparently this guy wasn’t even offered a professional contract until he was 18 (which is old these days). He came from what would be the equivalent of Serie D to PSV within 7 years. Every time he made the step up people would say he is a great athlete but he will fail at this level due to to his technique. Then he would become one of the most important players for that team within a year.
The reason he keeps on improving is his mentality and work ethic, which is apparently off the charts. It really endeared him to the fans, as he fights all 90 minutes despite the result. Last year he was made captain of PSV.
An interesting antidote is that back when he was younger he was invited to play with the Aruba national team. However, he turned it down because he said he wanted to play for the Oranje. At that time for him to believe that he would one day be at the level to play for the Netherlands he had to have almost delusional self confidence. I’m sure people laughed but he proved them wrong, as he’s done every step of his career.
A lot of the fans wonder now if this will be the move where it finally happens. Since Serie A is a much tougher league then Eredivisie. I guess only time will tell, but if he fails here it certainly won’t be for lack of trying.