PSV is scheduled to play the first leg against Borussia Dortmund in the eighth finals of the Champions League on Tuesday evening at 9 p.m. The meeting is very special for one player on the visitors' side. Donyell Malen plays against his former employer for the first time. Of Football zonereporter Jelle Kusters looks ahead to the striker and winger.

Dortmund is not having a flawless season. The club has to settle for fourth place in the Bundesliga behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich and the surprising VfB Stuttgart. Edin Terzic's team also failed to win last weekend. In Wolfsburg it ended at a 1-1 draw.

However, Malen itself is in excellent shape. The Dutchman has scored nine times in twenty games this season and is brimming with self-confidence. “I think there is a good chance that we will continue, but of course I also know what a great season PSV is having. They are playing very well,” Malen begins.

Noah Long

Malen is sorry that Noa Lang is not there due to an injury. “I would have preferred to play against PSV with Lang. He makes his team much stronger when he is there, but I have known him for a long time. We have known each other since childhood and I have hardly ever played against him, so I think that is “It's a shame. The last time we were nine or so.”

Malen mainly played as a striker in Eindhoven, but at Dortmund the 25-year-old attacker has emerged as a dangerous winger with a nose for goal. Malen is therefore a direct competitor of Lang in the Dutch national team. That doesn't bother the Dortmund attacker.

“Realistically we can play in the same positions, so in that sense he is a competitor. But I try to separate my friendship with him and the competition as best as possible.” Malen has played 25 international matches so far and has found the net five times, including on his debut in 2019.

In addition to his footballing qualities, Lang is also known for his peculiar character. The winger has mannerisms and swagger, which is not always met with approval. Malen does enjoy his friend's behavior. “He has something special as a footballer and as a person, but he is the way he is. It is to his credit that he does not pretend otherwise.”

Malen is asked who is PSV's absolute star player. “I have to say Jordan Teze. Teze is also a good friend and a good football player, but he did score an own goal against FC Volendam. I like to rub that in with him.”

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