Van der Sar warns 'favorite' Juventus about PSV's weapons

Edwin van der Sar, a legendary figure in Dutch football and a player who knows both Ajax and Juventus inside out, has weighed in on the upcoming Champions League knockout round tie between Juventus and PSV.

The former goalkeeper, who made the move from Ajax to Juventus at the end of the 20th century and spent two seasons in Turin, shared his insights with Gazzetta dello Sport on what promises to be a fiercely contested matchup.

"This time it’s a two-legged encounter, but I still think Juventus is the favorite," Van der Sar assessed. "Let’s say sixty percent for Juve and forty percent for PSV." His words reflect the respect he holds for both clubs Juventus, with its pedigree and defensive solidity, and PSV, a team known for its attacking prowess and ability to upset bigger teams in Europe.

With the first leg set to take place at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, Juventus will be looking to assert their dominance early, while PSV will aim to exploit any weaknesses and secure a crucial away result before returning to Eindhoven. Van der Sar highlighted the importance of home advantage in such high-pressure ties, acknowledging that Juventus, with its experienced squad and strong European record, will feel confident playing in front of their supporters.

Despite giving Juventus the edge, Van der Sar was quick to warn the Italian giants about the attacking quality within PSV’s squad. "That would be the attackers. Bakayoko, Lang, and Perisic create danger when they cut inside from the wings, and De Jong is a striker who knows how to score goals," he explained. "They have speed, technical ability, and a natural instinct to find the net. Juventus will have to be very careful, especially when they give PSV space to counterattack."

PSV has built a reputation for developing talented forwards, and this season is no exception. Johan Bakayoko has been a revelation, using his pace and dribbling skills to torment defenders, while Noa Lang, who previously played for Ajax, has developed into a player who thrives in big matches. The addition of Ivan Perisic, a veteran with vast Champions League experience, has added another layer of unpredictability to PSV’s attack. And then there’s Luuk de Jong, a striker known for his aerial prowess and ability to step up in crucial moments. Van der Sar’s words of caution serve as a reminder that Juventus cannot afford to underestimate their Dutch opposition.

The former Netherlands international also took a closer look at Juventus’ squad, pointing out that Teun Koopmeiners could be a vital figure for the Italian side. "I’ve known Koop since his time at AZ. We scouted him for Ajax, but we didn’t have space in the midfield," he revealed. "He’s a crucial player for the Dutch national team, and I’m sure he will be just as important for Juve. He just needs to handle the pressure well."

Koopmeiners has been a standout performer in Serie A, earning praise for his vision, passing range, and ability to dictate the tempo of a game. Although he is expected to start on the bench for this match, his versatility and tactical intelligence make him a valuable asset for Juventus as they prepare to navigate the challenges posed by PSV’s energetic style of play.

However, one of the most anticipated players in this tie is Portuguese winger Francisco Conceição. After struggling to make an impact at Ajax, Conceição has flourished at Juventus and is now considered one of the team's most dangerous attacking threats. Van der Sar did not hold back in his praise for the young forward. "He’s my favorite player," he admitted. "A great talent with a top mentality. He never holds back and is determined."

Van der Sar, who was Ajax’s director during Conceição’s time in Amsterdam, spoke highly of the winger’s potential to be a game-changer. "He’s a good kid. I’m happy for him and for Juve because it was a great signing. With his mix of movement and dribbling, he can be decisive in the matches against PSV. Francisco only needs a few moments of brilliance to turn a game," he explained.

Juventus fans have quickly grown to appreciate Conceição’s direct style of play, his fearless approach in one-on-one situations, and his ability to deliver when it matters most. Against a PSV defense that has shown vulnerabilities this season, he could be the key to unlocking the Dutch side and helping Juventus gain control of the tie.

As the first leg of this crucial Champions League knockout round approaches, both teams know what is at stake. Juventus, aiming to re-establish themselves among Europe’s elite, will look to impose their experience and tactical discipline, while PSV will rely on their attacking talent and relentless energy to make life difficult for their Italian hosts.

The battle between two clubs with rich histories and passionate fan bases is set to ignite under the lights of the Allianz Stadium on Tuesday at 21:00. With Van der Sar’s words serving as both a warning and an insight into the key battles that will define the tie, the stage is set for another unforgettable night of Champions League football.