It is not often that a manager uses his pre-match Champions League press conference to defend an opposing player against unfair media perceptions. Yet that is exactly what happened when PSV coach Peter Bosz was asked about Club Brugge forward Carlos Forbs' recent form in Belgian football earlier this week.
Forbs had spent a brief period in the Netherlands with PSV's rivals Ajax, where he struggled to make much of an impact after joining from Manchester City. Sections of the Dutch media wrote Forbs off as a flop, a notion which perhaps still prevailed in the country ahead of the meeting between two clubs from neighbouring countries on Wednesday night.
"We Dutch are often unrealistically critical," Bosz said on Monday ahead of the meeting at PSV's Phillips Stadium. "Ajax is the ultimate example of this. Conceição supposedly couldn't do anything either, but he plays for Juventus now. We are very quick to judge.
"Everyone has an off-game now and then, but in the Netherlands, players are completely written off. That is unfair, and Forbs proves that. This boy is doing excellently at Brugge and has completely found his rhythm. They are using him to his full potential."
Bosz's words could not have been more prophetic. The following evening Forbs scored the winning goal in a 2-1 victory for Club Brugge, using his devastating pace to sprint clear of the PSV backline and finish calmly in the second half. The goal, which was followed by an ear-cupping celebration, was little surprise to anyone familiar with the recent progress of the 22-year-old, whose electric performances have gained plenty of admirers.
"Hipped off in the Netherlands, now flourishing at Club Brugge," wrote Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws on Thursday morning. "Forbs was given a boulevard. And if there is one thing you shouldn't give him right now... He who laughs last, laughs best."
Fellow Flemish media outlet Sporza joined in the fun, adding: "Surely you know what Forbs' specialty is? How can your defensive positioning look so pathetic then? What possessed PSV to leave the lightning bolt so much space? Dutch naivety?'"
Forbs is currently in his second season with Brugge, who took advantage of Ajax's under-appreciation for his talents by securing an €8m deal and issuing a four-year contract in the summer of 2025. A solid debut campaign which yielded 10 goals from 48 appearances in all competitions has proved the foundation for Forbs reaching a new level this term.
Between the Belgian Juliper League and the Champions League, Forbs has made 13 appearances, returning a highly impressive 12 goal involvements: five goals and seven assists. Perhaps most importantly, the crucial winner against PSV was the latest example of Forbs saving some of his best work for Europe's premier club competition.
When Brugge stunned Internazionale with a 4-3 win at San Siro earlier this season, Forbs registered two assists. He also scored in the subsequent 3-0 win over Lens, with Brugge's run of results in the competition regarded as a huge boost to Belgian football.
Forbs's performances in Europe are nothing new, nor is the notion of his talent, which earned awards in the Manchester City academy. Last season his goal against Red Bull Salzburg helped secure qualification for the tournament, but it was a memorable 3-3 draw against Barcelona, during which Forbs struck twice, which made him a recognisable name to wider viewers.
Carlos Forbs marcou dois golos, fez uma assistência e foi eleito o melhor em campo contra o Barcelona. Uma noite para mais tarde recordar! 💫 https://t.co/dT0ESW16CT
— B24 (@B24PT) November 5, 2025
The list of clubs reportedly now following Forbs' progress is lengthy, with the likes of Roma, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund just some of those believed to be monitoring his development. Within Belgium, where the Sintra native has been dubbed 'Usain Forbs' due to his blistering pace, there is an expectancy that interest will ramp up in January.
The performance against Barcelona last year earned Forbs his debut call-up to the Portugal senior squad last November, having represented his country at U16, U18, U19 and U21 level previously while rising through the ranks at Manchester City.
History repeated itself on Friday, with Jorge Jesus including Forbs in his 28-man squad for the upcoming matches against Denmark and Wales. As was the case last year, his form for Brugge on the big stage of Champions League football has made Forbs impossible to ignore.
