Arnold Bruggink remains convinced that Ruben van Bommel has the potential to become an elite player, but PSV face uncertainty over the winger’s availability for Tuesday’s Champions League meeting with FC Porto.

Van Bommel was missed during PSV’s 2-1 defeat to ADO Den Haag, with head coach Peter Bosz admitting after the match that it was far from certain the youngster would be fit for the trip to Portugal. The result has also raised concerns for PSV, who suffered their third consecutive away defeat.

Speaking on ESPN’s Voetbalpraat, Bruggink and his fellow analysts discussed Van Bommel’s development and the qualities that have attracted attention from major clubs.

Bruggink has previously spoken highly of the PSV winger, describing him as a potential top-level player and suggesting that he could even take responsibility for penalties.

“I would let Ruben van Bommel take the penalties. He is ice-cold. Ruben is an absolute top player. All the big clubs keep an eye on him,” Bruggink said.

His comments underline the confidence surrounding Van Bommel’s long-term prospects, although PSV will be hoping his fitness concerns do not prevent him from featuring against Porto.

Bruggink Questions Refereeing Decisions After PSV Setbacks

Bruggink also criticised the refereeing decisions in PSV’s recent matches, arguing that the officials had made questionable calls in both Leipzig and The Hague.

The analyst had already expressed frustration with decisions during PSV’s Champions League defeat to RB Leipzig. After the loss to ADO, he again questioned the standard of officiating, using a reference to Sinterklaas to describe what he considered generous decisions.

Bruggink also felt the first yellow card shown to Sven Mijnans was excessive. Mijnans was eventually sent off after receiving a second yellow card in the first half, leaving PSV to play with ten men.

ADO capitalised on the numerical advantage, overturning PSV’s lead to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory. The defeat added to the pressure on Bosz’s side ahead of their European trip.

Meanwhile, Danny Koevermans praised goalkeeper Matej Kovář for his performance against Leipzig, where the Czech goalkeeper made several important saves. Koevermans noted that Brajan Gruda’s decisive effort had taken a slight deflection, making it difficult for Kovář to keep it out.

“He played a fantastic match. That ball from Gruda was slightly touched, so he couldn’t get to it. Otherwise he would have been man of the match. Tough for him and for PSV altogether,” Koevermans said, as quoted by PSV Inside.

PSV must now turn their attention to Porto, with Van Bommel’s availability among the key questions facing Bosz.

PSV And Porto Plan Special Tribute To Luuk de Jong

Away from the immediate concerns surrounding the squad, Tuesday’s Champions League match could also provide a special moment for former PSV captain Luuk de Jong.

According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, PSV and FC Porto are working on a tribute to the striker, who is expected to travel to Portugal with the PSV delegation to attend the match.

The planned occasion is also expected to recognise Bobby Robson, who managed both clubs during his coaching career.

De Jong remains an important figure in PSV’s history. The 39-cap Netherlands international made 338 appearances for the club and scored 186 goals, establishing himself as one of its leading modern-era figures.

His spell at Porto was much shorter, with seven appearances and one goal for the Portuguese side.

Robson coached PSV from 1990 to 1992 before returning to Eindhoven for another spell in 1998 and 1999. Between those periods, he managed Porto until 1994.

With PSV preparing for a difficult Champions League test, the planned tribute would add an emotional dimension to the occasion. However, Bosz’s immediate priority will be assessing Van Bommel’s fitness and preparing his team to respond after consecutive setbacks away from home.