Kodai Sano performance at PSV Eindhoven

Japanese midfielder Kodai Sano has seen increasing recognition at PSV Eindhoven following his performances in the UEFA Champions League. In October, Sano earned praise from Dutch media for his ability to control game rhythm, though some tactical critiques were noted regarding his positional discipline. During this period, his market value rose from approximately 12.8 million euros to 15.3 million euros.

On November 4, Sano achieved a personal milestone by scoring his first UEFA Champions League goal during a 1-2 home defeat against Club Brugge. By equalizing in the 54th minute, the 23-year-old became the second-youngest Japanese player to score in the competition, trailing only Shinji Kagawa. This marked his second consecutive goal in the competition. Despite the milestone, Sano expressed disappointment, stating he could not celebrate due to the team's loss and the necessity for improved performance in future fixtures. Local media outlets, including NU and VP, noted his smooth adaptation and described him as a key component of the attack who frequently initiates offensive plays.

Following the match, football analysts Theo Janssen and Boudewijn Zenden provided high praise. Janssen noted that Sano has “effortlessly adapted to the level of PSV,” highlighting his ability to win second balls and his defensive contributions, while suggesting his quality might lead to a significant transfer fee after the season. Zenden characterized Sano as an “intelligent and smart player” capable of anticipating plays and reading situations effectively.

On November 5, Sano continued his form in the Eredivisie, contributing to three of the goals in a 5-2 victory against Cambuur. He helped initiate the opening goal, participated in the buildup to the second, and provided a precise cross for the fifth goal in stoppage time.