Cocu explains the key to PSV production line

As PSV Eindhoven embark on their fifth consecutive UEFA Europa League campaign the strategy under coach Phillip Cocu remains the same – give youth the opportunity to flourish.

"Age isn't the most important thing, but if you look at a club like PSV, and how much we invest in our academy, then we have to do everything to make sure that the talents who have the potential to play for the first team are given the chance to grow," said the former Netherlands midfielder, who succeeded Dick Advocaat at the PSV helm last season.

"We are going down that road. A few things still need to be changed, we're in the middle of that process. That also means you sometimes have to say goodbye to a few players, so that you can give the upcoming players the chance to prove themselves and develop."

No player epitomises the PSV approach more than Netherlands Under-21 midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, recently appointed the Eindhoven club's new captain. "I have an important role as captain," said the former Feyenoord player. "Apart from playing your own game, you also have to monitor other players, make sure they are in the right position.

"I'm lucky that we have a close-knit team, that everyone puts in a shift and takes the pressure off me. I try to lead from the front and instruct others on how we can do things better."

To hear more from Cocu and Wijnaldum, click on the video player.