PSV's Rise and Ajax’s Fall: Eredivisie 2025 Explained

In the rich history of Dutch football, few seasons have felt as monumental as the 2024/25 Eredivisie campaign. A league long dominated by a few giants experienced a seismic shift this year. PSV Eindhoven, once seen as the consistent but overshadowed contender, emerged as the dominant force, while AFC Ajax, the historic powerhouse, stumbled into unfamiliar territory.

From tactical transformations to boardroom decisions, this season has offered fans one of the most compelling JW8 narratives in recent Eredivisie history. Let’s unpack the key elements behind PSV’s triumphant rise and Ajax’s unprecedented struggles.

PSV Eindhoven: Reborn and Ruthless

1. Peter Bosz’s Tactical Revolution

When Peter Bosz returned to Dutch football as PSV's head coach, expectations were moderate. Few anticipated that his high-tempo, attacking philosophy would transform PSV into a near-unstoppable force in Eredivisie.

• Formation: 4-2-3-1

• Playing Style: High pressing, quick vertical passes, positional rotations

• Notable Stats (as of May 2025):

  • Wins: 27

  • Goals Scored: 85

  • Goals Conceded: 24

Bosz instilled discipline, purpose, and fluidity in a side that had previously lacked cutting edge. His emphasis on fast transitions and attacking fullbacks revitalized PSV’s play, making them the most entertaining team in Dutch football.

2. Star Players Delivering Consistently

Johan Bakayoko – The Winger Wizard

The Belgian winger’s explosive pace, dribbling, and chance creation made him one of Eredivisie’s most feared players.

Luuk de Jong – The Veteran Leader

Backed by years of experience, De Jong led the frontline with smart positioning and timely goals, finishing with 21 league goals.

Joey Veerman – The Midfield Maestro

Veerman’s vision and passing range were critical in orchestrating PSV’s attack from deep, often setting the tempo and controlling possession.

3. Youth Development and Squad Depth

PSV’s academy continues to produce talent, with players like Ismael Saibari and Isaac Babadi stepping up in key moments. The balance between youth and experience gave Bosz the tactical flexibility to rotate without compromising quality.

Ajax Amsterdam: A Crisis of Identity

1. Managerial Instability

Ajax’s 2024/25 season began with high hopes but quickly spiraled into chaos. The dismissal of Maurice Steijn in late 2024 set off a domino effect of uncertainty.

• Number of Managers This Season: 3

• Biggest Defeats:

  • 1–5 vs Feyenoord

  • 0–3 vs PSV

  • 0–2 vs Utrecht

Constant tactical shifts and lack of clarity in player roles led to confusion on the pitch. The club looked nothing like the structured, attacking unit that had made deep European runs just a few years ago.

2. Transfer Market Misfires

Ajax's famed scouting network seemed to falter in 2024/25.

Key Issues:

• Overreliance on foreign talent with limited Eredivisie experience

• Selling key players like Mohammed Kudus and Edson Álvarez without proper replacements

• Failure to integrate academy players into the first team

The chemistry issues on the pitch were clear, with Ajax failing to form a coherent midfield or dangerous attacking line.

3. Fan Disillusionment and Boardroom Turmoil

A large part of Ajax’s fall can be traced back to the top. Internal boardroom power struggles, including the controversial firing of key sporting directors, disrupted continuity.

The club's strategic direction felt unclear—were they rebuilding, or still chasing titles? Without a unified vision, even the best resources could not prevent decline.

The Eredivisie Power Shift

The changing of the guard between Ajax and PSV is not just about one season of highs and lows—it signals a deeper transformation in Dutch football.

Key Takeaways:

• Tactical Innovation Wins: PSV embraced modern football principles while Ajax clung to outdated ideas.

• Consistency Over Chaos: Peter Bosz offered clarity and vision, whereas Ajax changed plans multiple times mid-season.

• Local Core Matters: PSV blended local stars and youth academy products, something Ajax historically excelled at but overlooked this season.

Impact on European Football

PSV’s domestic dominance has translated to Europe. A quarterfinal run in the UEFA Europa League brought back memories of their golden 2005 campaign. Meanwhile, Ajax failed to progress past the group stages of the Conference League—a stinging reminder of their fall from grace.

The Eredivisie’s UEFA coefficient stands to benefit from PSV’s success, potentially offering more qualification spots in future tournaments. But for Ajax, the European drought is becoming increasingly costly both financially and in reputation.

Can Ajax Recover?

Absolutely—but it won’t be easy. To return to the summit of Dutch football and remain relevant in Europe, Ajax must:

• Rebuild trust with fans and stakeholders

• Commit to a long-term managerial project

• Reinvest in their youth development pipeline

• Create a cohesive transfer strategy centered around balance

The DNA of Ajax—attacking football, homegrown stars, European ambitions—still exists. It just needs the right leadership and patience to return.

What's Next for PSV?

PSV’s challenge now is sustainability. With bigger clubs eyeing talents like Bakayoko and Veerman, holding on to their core will be tough. Bosz will also need depth if they are to balance domestic and European campaigns effectively.

But for now, Eindhoven celebrates. After years of living in Ajax’s shadow, PSV have risen not only as champions—but as the new standard of football excellence in the Netherlands.

Support Dutch Football, Support the Beautiful Game

As the Eredivisie reshapes its landscape, one thing remains constant: the passion, drama, and brilliance of football. Whether you cheer for PSV’s attacking artistry or hope for Ajax’s revival, this is a season to remember.

Celebrate the highs, learn from the lows, and never stop supporting the game that unites millions.

Support football. Support the Eredivisie. Support the future of the beautiful game.