A lot is expected of Gaston Pereiro this season after a promising first campaign in the Netherlands. Can he develop into PSV’s key attacking figure?
- By Michael Statham
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The Uruguayan started out with Club Nacional in his homeland but after only 11 goals and 39 games was quickly picked up by PSV. The attacking midfielder had a good first season in the Netherlands, scoring 14 goals in 38 matches in all competitions, including two goals against Ajax in a crucial win at the Amsterdam Arena.
Playing Style
Pereiro flashes reminders of ex-PSV forward Dries Mertens, who was known for his excellent dribbling and close control as well as his efficiency in the final third. Pereiro’s left foot often resembles a wand as he weaves between defenders. Although his right foot is useful too, and unlike Mertens, Pereiro is tall and physically strong, a helpful trait in the opposing penalty area.
On occasion, 21-year-old looked excellent last season, but has yet to find the same level of consistency as former star Mertens, for example. There were a few games in the previous campaign where the Uruguayan went missing in matches, particularly in the Champions League, when he sometimes looked ordinary.
Can Pererio stand out this season?
Pereiro was signed last summer with the future in mind, but now looks ready for a heavily involved campaign with PSV, and should start most matches in the league and Europe. He will be relied upon for goals and assists from the right flank given that Luciano Narsingh looks to be on his way out of the club. Meanwhile for his country, Pereiro’s form with the Uruguay under 20s shows that it is only a matter of time before he is called up to the senior side.