“KKD Level?” Ex-Striker Slams Wolves v Newcastle as He Backs PSV to Shine on the Big Stage
A turgid Premier League stalemate between Wolves and Newcastle has drawn stinging criticism from a former top-flight striker, who branded the contest “KKD level” — a reference to the Dutch second division — while sharply contrasting it with the rising quality and ambition of PSV Eindhoven.
Speaking after the match, the ex-forward did not hold back. From his perspective, Wolves v Newcastle was a game that promised intensity but delivered caution, loose technique, and a worrying lack of cutting edge. “It looked like a match played with fear,” he said. “Poor decision-making in the final third, slow tempo, and no real conviction. At times it honestly felt like watching KKD football.”
The criticism cut deep because both clubs have invested heavily and routinely talk up European aspirations. Yet the former striker argued that the performance showed how far some Premier League sides are from consistently operating at an elite level. “The Premier League has money and hype, but that doesn’t automatically mean quality,” he added. “If you strip away the badges, that game could’ve been anywhere.”
Wolves were singled out for their lack of creativity, with too much play funneled wide and little movement between the lines. Newcastle, meanwhile, were accused of playing within themselves, relying on physicality rather than imagination. “Newcastle especially looked like a team scared to lose instead of one trying to win,” the striker said. “That mentality kills games.”
In stark contrast, he was eager to talk up PSV Eindhoven, whom he believes are quietly building something far more coherent. While not blessed with Premier League-level budgets, PSV’s structure, identity, and technical security stood out in his analysis. “PSV know who they are,” he explained. “They press with purpose, they play forward quickly, and their attacking players take responsibility.”
According to the former striker, PSV’s biggest strength lies in their bravery. “They don’t hide,” he said. “When they get into big European matches, they actually try to play football. That already puts them ahead of a lot of teams who claim to be stronger on paper.”
He also highlighted the club’s ability to develop and trust attacking talent. Where Wolves and Newcastle looked rigid and risk-averse, PSV were praised for fluid movement, combination play, and clarity in the final third. “You see patterns, you see confidence,” he noted. “That’s coaching, not cash.”
Looking ahead, the striker believes PSV could surprise bigger names if they carry that identity into high-pressure games. “They won’t beat everyone, but they won’t embarrass themselves either,” he said. “And I can tell you this — they wouldn’t produce a game as flat as Wolves v Newcastle.”
His verdict was blunt but telling. “If English clubs want to stay ahead, they can’t rely on reputation alone,” he concluded. “Because right now, teams like PSV are playing the football — and some Premier League sides are just playing the occasion.”
