Perišić Shines at Right Back: His Assist Sparked PSV's Comeback
The Croatian veteran played a key role in the 2-1 victory over Fortuna Sittard on the season opener, and there's also good news from Nikola Vlašić, who got on the scoresheet.
The Croatian veteran played a key role in the 2-1 victory over Fortuna Sittard on the season opener, and there's also good news from Nikola Vlašić, who got on the scoresheet.
Ivan Perišić kicked off the new Eredivisie season in style. In Saturday's first-round match at the Philips Stadium, his PSV defeated Fortuna Sittard 2-1, with the Croatian international providing the assist for the crucial equalizer that sparked the comeback.
Fortuna Sittard, for whom Alen Halilović played last season, took the lead in the 42nd minute through Ole Romeny. An upset was in the air, especially given that PSV had as much as 88 percent possession in the first half. The home side's response came ten minutes after the break. In the 55th minute, Perišić took a corner from the left and delivered a precise cross into the heart of the penalty area with his right foot. Dutch defender Ryan Flamingo rose highest and headed home to make it 1-1.
The final 2-1 was sealed by 18-year-old Noah Fernandez in the 74th minute, assisted by teammate Plee, securing PSV's first three points of the season.
Particularly interesting was Perišić's position during the match. Coach Peter Bosz deployed him in the starting lineup on the right wing, alongside Ricardo Pepi at the top of the attack and Ruben van Bommel on the left. However, as the game progressed, Perišić at times dropped back to the right side of defense, operating as a right back.
This is not entirely new for the Croatian international. Bosz had already used him in that position during the 2024/25 season, notably in the match against Utrecht, after which he publicly praised him precisely for his ability to take on an unexpected role without any issues.
Perišić's performance will certainly please Croatian national team coach Slaven Bilić. Although there has been media speculation about his possible retirement from international duty, Perišić has made himself available to the new-old coach. If he continues to deliver concrete results, his place in the national team should not be in question.
Alongside Perišić, another Vatreni got on the scoresheet on Saturday. Nikola Vlašić scored his first goal for his club in a friendly against Avellino, controlling the ball well to enter the box and firing a shot into the far corner.
Perišić's assist comes at a time when his future is once again a hot topic. PSV signed Filip Kostić earlier this week, and Italian media have reported that this move could facilitate a potential return of the Croatian international to Inter. Perišić has previously expressed his desire to return to Milan.
Last season, he was one of PSV's key players as they clinched their third consecutive Eredivisie title. The new season for Peter Bosz's side started poorly, with a 4-0 defeat to AZ in the Johan Cruijff Schaal, making the win over Fortuna a necessary response.
