Former PSV Star Joey Veerman Proving Johan Derksen Wrong? Dutch Pundit Admits: ‘It Surprises Me’

Johan Derksen has admitted he is surprised by Joey Veerman’s strong start at Borussia Dortmund, despite having repeatedly criticised the former PSV midfielder during his time in Eindhoven.

Veerman completed his long-awaited move to Dortmund last month after four and a half years at PSV. Since arriving in Germany, the midfielder has made a strong start in the Bundesliga, leading to an unexpected admission from one of his most persistent critics.

Visit tr-sport.bond for more information.

Speaking on Vandaag Inside, Derksen acknowledged that Veerman has so far adapted better than he expected.

“It surprises me that Veerman is doing well in Dortmund,” Derksen said, as quoted by PSV Inside.

Valentijn Driessen was quick to temper that assessment, suggesting it was still too early to draw firm conclusions about Veerman’s Bundesliga career.

“Let’s watch a few more matches. Everyone’s everywhere, making a beeline for trouble.”

Derksen then joked about the opportunity to hear a positive assessment from Driessen.

“I thought: maybe I can tempt you into a positive remark.”

Driessen subsequently pointed out that their views on Veerman had traditionally been very different.

“You’re always negative about that Veerman. I was always positive.”

Derksen explained why he had doubts about whether Veerman could succeed in Germany, particularly because of the physical demands of the Bundesliga.

“I thought he’d get caught out there. If you suffer a loss of possession, he doesn’t participate. That can’t happen in that German football, with all that running ability.”

Veerman completed his long-awaited move to Dortmund last month [Reuters]Derksen’s Long-Standing Criticism of Veerman

Derksen’s surprise comes after years of outspoken criticism of the midfielder.

Shortly after Veerman’s transfer to Dortmund, the Groeten uit Grolloo podcast host again questioned whether PSV would miss the midfielder.

“We can’t say that Joey Veerman isn’t a footballer, but I think that Peter Bosz and PSV are happy that they’ve managed to raise a lot of money for him and that they’re rid of that moaner.”

Derksen also criticised Veerman’s reaction to being substituted, arguing that the midfielder often appeared frustrated.

“When he’s substituted, he always pulls a face. Then it’s the aggrieved man from Volendam who is being done a great injustice.”

His criticism extended to Veerman’s international career as well.

During a Vandaag Inside discussion with sports marketer Chris Woerts, Derksen questioned whether Veerman had a role to play for the Netherlands.

“Joey Veerman can play well against Excelsior and Willem II, but in Oranje you don’t have a damn thing to do with him.”

He also argued that Veerman had struggled to produce his best football against stronger opposition.

“He never performs in important matches. It’s always against trivial opponents with little passes or a long-range shot: you can’t win a war with that!”

‘He Knows His Stuff!’ PSV Fans React as Xavi Makes Major Oranje DecisionsThe Spanish icon’s first Oranje squad rewards Ruben van Bommel’s breakout form and welcomes back Joey Veerman, signaling a bold new era for Dutch football and PSV.Veerman Preparing For Netherlands Return

Veerman is now preparing for another chapter of his international career after previously making it clear that he did not need to be called up by Ronald Koeman when he was left out of the Netherlands’ preliminary squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

His move to Dortmund has since provided a new challenge, and his early Bundesliga performances have already forced Derksen to reconsider at least part of his previous assessment.

For now, even Derksen is acknowledging that Veerman has made a promising start in Germany, although Driessen’s warning remains that the midfielder’s Bundesliga adaptation should be judged over a longer period.

Read full story at source