Érick Gutiérrez is the lock on the door that gives PSV more and more stability. PSV could use the Mexican’s Europa League campaign against Premier League leaders Arsenal tonight.

Impressive duels, a stretched leg in the air to intercept the ball or a header with a dive. “Guti” works his way through PSV-FC Utrecht (6-1) and can be found all over the pitch.

With hindsight, it’s understandable that double goalscorer Guus Til would be voted PSV’s man of the match, but given the work done, Gutiérrez could just as easily have been chosen. “Grinta”, Ibrahim Sangaré is the typical Mexican teammate in midfield at PSV TV.

It wasn’t all that long ago that Gutiérrez finally managed to convince coach Ruud van Nistelrooij.

He’s a certainty under Roger Schmidt last season, but Gutiérrez often starts this season on the bench with his replacement. The coach has a different tactical approach in mind, but since PSV’s away game against Heerenveen (0-1) Gutiérrez has regained his place in the team.

No coincidence

“It’s no coincidence that ‘Guti’ has fought his way back into the team. He’s gotten much stronger mentally,” says journalist Daniel Reyes, who follows the actions of his compatriots in the Netherlands for various Mexican media. “He doesn’t panic if he sits on the couch for a while. That’s a big advantage for him.”

However, 12 months ago, Gutiérrez had serious doubts about staying at PSV. He is fully fit again after a serious knee injury, but will hardly be used by Schmidt at first.

A return to Mexico in the winter break is realistic if Cruz Azul shows interest. “But then came the game against Monaco in the Europa League, in which he played very well. That game was so important to ‘Gutis’ career because he’s played almost everything for Schmidt since then,” said Reyes.

To mark

Confidence in Gutiérrez grows, he thanks Cruz Azul for their interest and is fully committed to a future at PSV. The highlight of last season for the Mexican was winning the cup final against Ajax (2-1), in which he played a leading role by equalizing.

Nevertheless, Gutiérrez comes at a crossroads again during the summer break when Schmidt, who has meanwhile left for Benfica, wants to bring the Mexican. Saying goodbye to PSV seems logical.

He still has a one-year contract after four seasons at Eindhoven, which means PSV can demand a transfer fee for Gutiérrez. Benfica make several attempts to persuade him. And as a purchase from Schmidt, he most likely would have gotten a great shot at playing time.

World Cup Odds

“But ‘Guti’ knew at the same time that he was doing very well with his family in the Netherlands,” says Reyes. “The cup final he won tastes like more, he now wants to become champion with PSV. And the World Cup in Qatar is also an important factor. Everything was new at Benfica, that would have made his World Cup chances uncertain.”

Gutiérrez is playing it safe and will extend his contract by two years to 2025 in August. Reyes: “He never had any doubts under Van Nistelrooij because he’s been there for a number of years.”

Gutiérrez is expected to opt for an adventure outside of the Netherlands after this season as well. “I think PSV will also consider this scenario,” Reyes expects. “La Liga would suit him well.”