André Ramalho has only played three official matches for PSV, but has more than convinced Arnold Bruggink. ‘s analyst ESPN praises the 29-year-old Brazilian defender prior to the Johan Cruijff Scale against Ajax for the experience and tranquility he brings. “Really a very good purchase”, says Bruggink.
Ramalho made an excellent impression in the diptych with Galatasaray and the first meeting with FC Midtjylland. “He is a player who takes the lead,” Bruggink says. “Jordan Teze is of course taken out now and that comes with a personality, with which you have someone on your roster who is immediately in charge. The hierarchy in the dressing room is shaken up. There is a whole other dimension, where the experienced players are in charge are.”
PSV paid only 2.5 million euros to Red Bull Salzburg for Ramalho. “He is the boss through coaching, but actually through his entire presentation,” continues Bruggink. “If Marco van Ginkel lets his man go, he is the one who finds out. He is a 29-year-old player. PSV needed this so badly. He anticipates in situations, knows what will happen, intervenes. That is very helpful. PSV desperately needed that experience and that leadership.”
Defensively, Ramalho hasn’t really been tested yet, but Bruggink believes the Brazilian is up to the task. “Especially in the competition, that will not be a problem at all. If you zoom in on him: he is always busy with others. Young players are often busy with themselves, and he is busy with the team. That has Marco van Ginkel as captain, but Ramalho also adds that. I think that is the greatest added value of him. PSV would like to put high pressure, then you must also have a player who dares and engages himself. His passing to the front is also a once-in-a-lifetime added value.”