Jerdy Schouten has already played top games in the Italian league, but has not yet made any minutes in the Champions League. He makes his debut on Wednesday evening and that is something to look forward to. Because even though he is used to something, this stage remains special. “The Champions League is something different from other competitions.”
Schouten came over from Italian Bologna last summer. The midfielder played great games for the Italian mid-table against big clubs such as AC Milan and AS Roma. But he has never played in the group stage of a European tournament.
“And then I can immediately show it at the highest level,” says the midfielder with a big grin on his face. “Those matches in the Serie A (Italian league) are wonderful, but the Champions League is something different from other matches.”
“You used to watch every match in the Champions League and want to play football there too”
Is Schouten extra nervous? “There is healthy tension, but that is part of it. It would be crazy if it weren’t there.”
“You used to watch every match in the Champions League and you wanted to play football there too.” What memories does the PSV player have when he thinks back to that? “The song of course!”, referring to the Champions League anthem.
“Arsenal away will be the biggest test for us as a team”
The enthusiasm is contagious and Schouten goes the extra mile. “I’m really looking forward to it! This is what you do it for as a football player.”
Tonight against Arsenal, the most difficult match in the group awaits PSV. “We have to show our qualities. We have enough of those so we can have a nice match. But it will be the biggest test for us as a team.”
Also read: According to Bosz, PSV must show courage when returning to the Champions League