Soccer

Ruben van Bommel’s PSV resurgence sparks Netherlands breakthrough

By Hugo Brennan

Ruben van Bommel’s PSV resurgence sparks Netherlands breakthrough

In Eindhoven, Ruben van Bommel’s rise is beginning to travel beyond PSV’s familiar red-and-white surroundings. The 22-year-old winger has made an immediate impression with the Netherlands senior side, adding an international breakthrough to a season in which his recovery from a serious knee injury has given fresh momentum to his club career.

A first mark in Oranje

  1. Van Bommel made his Netherlands debut against Germany after coming on as a substitute.
  2. He helped secure a 1-1 result by setting up Cody Gakpo with an outside-of-the-foot pass, a contribution that made a strong early statement at senior international level.
  3. He was then given further minutes against Serbia, again showing the qualities that have earned him the confidence of Xavi Hernández.

The PSV player is no longer simply known as the son of Mark van Bommel. His father won 79 caps for the Netherlands and captained Oranje during a distinguished international career, while Ruben’s grandfather, Bert van Marwijk, led the national team to the 2010 World Cup final.

From Maastricht to Eindhoven

Van Bommel’s senior journey began at MVV Maastricht, where he scored 15 goals in 31 matches in his first professional campaign. A spell at AZ followed before PSV brought him to Eindhoven in 2025.

  1. During his first Eredivisie season with PSV, he played nine times and scored three goals.
  2. His involvement was restricted by a major knee injury, from which he has now recovered.
  3. At the start of the current campaign, he has scored four goals in seven appearances, form that has helped open the door to the Dutch national side.

A different kind of wide player

Left-footed and usually deployed from the left flank, Van Bommel can also move into central areas. At 1.92 metres, he offers a markedly different profile from the smaller, rapid winger: his strength, long stride and ability to attack open spaces allow him to carry the ball through lines and arrive in scoring positions.

PSV have continued to shape those attributes, and the results are now visible beyond the Eredivisie. For the Van Bommel and Van Marwijk family, the latest Netherlands appearance extends a connection with Oranje across three generations.