‘Can play almost anywhere’ – Spurs star named in Garth Crooks’ Team of the Week
Garth Crooks has claimed that Micky van de Ven is so good technically that he can play in any position across the pitch. Van de...
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Garth Crooks has claimed that Micky van de Ven is so good technically that he can play in any position across the pitch.
Van de Ven’s reputation is growing with each passing game, with the centre-back continuing to enthral with his pace, composure and technical quality.
Jean-Philippe Mateta has troubled many Premier League defenders with his pace, athleticism and physicality this season but the Palace star got no joy whatsoever against the Dutchman, who constantly put out fires every time the away side broke on Spurs.
There is understandably a lot of excitement at Tottenham about just how good Van de Ven can become, given that he is still only 22 years of age, with Ange Postecoglou telling the club’s official website that there is no ceiling for the former Wolfsburg man.
Micky Van de Ven named in Team of the Week
Crooks named the Spurs man in his team of the week and admitted that he was particularly wowed by one moment where the defender nonchalantly dribbled past a couple of Palace players at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The former Spurs striker wrote in his BBC Sport column: “Cristian Romero may have got the goal in open play that sent Tottenham on their way to victory against Crystal Palace but it was Micky van de Ven who provided a moment of sheer audacity.
“Very occasionally you see a defender who is so comfortable on the ball he can play almost anywhere on the pitch. Van de Ven is one of those players.
“I’m not one for defenders taking unnecessary risks, especially when you’re the last man in defence and outnumbered by the opposition, but the way Van de Ven drew in Matheus Franca in the 88th minute, dropped his shoulder, and went past the Crystal Palace forward as if he wasn’t there was stunningly brilliant.
“What was odd was that no one seemed to mention it. The only other defender I’ve seen perform this skill with such ease was Dutch compatriot and Ajax legend Ruud Krol. Now he was a player.”
Spurs Web Opinion
If Van de Ven can stay relatively injury-free, he will inevitably evolve into one of the best centre-backs in world football over the next couple of years. The 22-year-old will continue to get better as he continues to gain more experience at the highest level.
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