John de Jong is proud of the progress of PSV youth exponents. In the eyes of the technical director, players such as Armando Obispo, Cody Gakpo and Yorbe Vertessen are becoming increasingly important for Roger Schmidt’s team. In an interview with PSV TV De Jong says he hopes for a contract extension from Obispo, whose current contract expires in a year.
The aforementioned three had a base place against FC Groningen (5-2 win) last Saturday. “It makes me happy and proud to see that boys from our own academy continue to grow like this,” says De Jong. “They not only grow to a certain level, but are also a real added value for PSV. That is just beautiful to see.” De Jong points out that Gakpo has become the reserve captain of PSV and the international of the Dutch. “I look at that with a very good feeling. You can see it developing. Not just as a player, but also as a person. He is making steps to become very important for PSV.”
“Armando has started very well this season, I think,” continues Schmidt. “He taps the starting eleven. He is developing strongly, fits well into the team and has a good click with Olivier Boscagli and André Ramalho. That’s a player I would really like to renew in the coming weeks, to keep him longer for us.” The latest news about Obispo’s contract extension was announced in July Football International brought: the weekly wrote that Obispo would like to succeed in Eindhoven, but that he and his agent Ali Dursun would like to get a clear picture of the future prospects of PSV. He is currently competing with Olivier Boscagli for a starting spot. De Jong does not elaborate on that situation, but he continues his list with Vertessen’s name.
“You also see how Yorbe is developing: he came out of a difficult situation, is making strides in his fitness and playing minutes and is a fast, dangerous player,” said the director. Vertessen struggled with some hamstring injuries last season, but was able to further shape his development in the second half of the season. Although the youth is breaking through at PSV, the club has also waved goodbye to a youth exponent: Mohamed Ihattaren left for Juventus, which immediately leases him to Sampdoria. “I am sorry that it turned out this way. Of course you hope that he makes the most of his potential and that he eventually makes a nice transfer for a nice amount. On the other hand, he also has competition from other guys coming through from the academy. It’s a pity that it turned out this way, but I think this is the best solution for all parties.”