PSV’s Wing Selection Signals a Shift in Peter Bosz’s Pe ck ing Order
PSV Eindhoven coach Peter Bosz has made a notable change to his attacking lineup for Friday evening’s match against sc Heerenveen, opting to rest Ivan Perisic and hand the right-wing role to Esmir Bajraktarevic rather than Dennis Man. The decision offers a fresh indication of how competition for places is developing at PSV—and gives the young Bosnian winger an opportunity to strengthen his case for more regular football.
Bosz confirmed the selection choice in comments to ESPN, explaining that Bajraktarevic had impressed before the international break and deserved another chance. The coach’s reasoning was not simply about rotation: he pointed to the winger’s earlier performance when he stepped in for Perisic during an injury absence.
Bajraktarevic rewarded for his recent form
Asked why Bajraktarevic had been preferred on the right, Bosz said the player had performed very well in the period before the break. He also recalled that Bajraktarevic had previously filled in for Perisic when Man was unavailable, and had handled the responsibility effectively.
“Then I also think I have to reward that,” Bosz said, making clear that recent performances are influencing his choices. His comments suggest the PSV coach is willing to promote players who make the most of their opportunities, even when more established options are available.
That approach can be important across a long season. PSV are balancing domestic commitments with European football, and a demanding schedule often requires more than a fixed starting eleven. Strong performances from players further down the squad can give Bosz greater flexibility, while also keeping competition for places intense.
Dennis Man’s role has changed—but Bosz remains confident
Bosz also acknowledged that Man has slipped behind Bajraktarevic in the current pecking order. ESPN reporter Milan van Dongen noted that Man’s displays had been stronger last season than they have been this campaign. The coach partly connected the change to Perisic’s arrival and presence on the same side of the attack, as well as Man’s own injury spell.
Man joined PSV in the summer of 2025 from Parma for a fee of just under €10 million. The Romanian international arrived with expectations, but the competition for attacking positions has become more complicated. Perisic brings experience and versatility, while Bajraktarevic has recently made a persuasive case for increased involvement.
Still, Bosz was careful not to suggest that Man has fallen out of favour permanently. He described the winger as a very good player and said he would return to the team and receive enough minutes. That reassurance matters: a change in selection for one match does not necessarily define a player’s long-term standing, particularly at a club where form, fitness and tactical needs can quickly alter the lineup.
For Man, the immediate challenge will be to respond when opportunities arrive. Consistent contributions in training and match appearances could help him regain ground, while Bajraktarevic will be keen to show that his recent form can be sustained. The situation gives PSV a useful selection dilemma rather than a shortage of options.
Noah Fernández adds to PSV’s competition for places
The discussion over PSV’s attacking hierarchy extends beyond the wing. Analyst Kenneth Perez has also suggested that injured midfielder Paul Wanner may have lost his starting place, with Noah Fernández’s rapid development emerging as a major factor.
Perez described the 18-year-old Belgian as a promising player, while noting that young performers naturally experience fluctuations. Fernández can produce impressive displays, but there may also be moments when he loses possession, fails to track an opponent or makes a decision that leaves the team exposed. Those inconsistencies are common in a developing player, but his selection ahead of Wanner has nevertheless attracted attention.
Wanner’s absence through injury has opened the door, yet Perez argued that Fernández had already been preferred even when Wanner was available. That makes the competition particularly significant. Wanner arrived from Bayern Munich with PSV’s confidence behind him, while Fernández has been making a strong case through his performances and potential.
Fernández’s reported €15 million price tag also adds context to the debate. A substantial investment signals the club’s belief in his long-term value, but it does not guarantee an automatic place in the starting lineup. At PSV, players still have to earn selection, and Bosz’s decisions appear closely tied to form, fitness and how individuals fit the team’s tactical plan.
What the selection choices could mean for PSV
These developments point to a competitive squad in which established names cannot take their places for granted. Perisic’s rest against Heerenveen creates an opportunity for Bajraktarevic, while Man will be looking to re-establish himself. In midfield, Fernández’s progress could make Wanner’s return more complicated, even if the German remains a valued option.
For supporters considering a match prediction, the lineup changes are worth monitoring, but they should not be treated as a straightforward sign of weakened ambition. Rotation can help preserve energy, and emerging players may bring pace, unpredictability and motivation. The key questions are how well PSV’s replacements connect with the rest of the attack and whether the team can maintain its usual control and threat.
Bosz’s public comments also provide a glimpse into his management style. By explaining that Bajraktarevic has been rewarded for his performances, the coach reinforces the idea that opportunities are available to players who deliver. By backing Man at the same time, he keeps the competition constructive and signals that the winger can still play an important role.
As PSV move through a busy stretch of the season, these internal battles could prove just as important as individual results. If Bajraktarevic continues to impress and Fernández builds on his progress, Bosz will have more reliable options across the squad. For Man and Wanner, the route back may depend on patience, fitness and making the most of their next chance. The broader picture is clear: PSV’s football selection is evolving, and the pecking order remains open to change.
