Chris Sutton cannot understand why Thomas Frank started Micky van de Ven at left-back during Tottenham’s draw against Burnley.
Tottenham Hotspur were held to a shock 2-2 draw with Burnley, leaving them languishing in 13th in the Premier League and just eight points ahead of the relegation zone.
Fill in the blank: Micky van de Ven is wasted at centre-back, I would like to see him play _____________________
Spurs had to salvage the draw as Van de Ven opened the scoring before Cristian Romero netted a late goal for 2-2 in the 90th minute.
But despite the Dutch defender getting on the scoresheet, Sutton has slammed Frank’s decision to play him at full-back.
Chris Sutton questions Thomas Frank starting Micky van de Ven at left-back
Chris Sutton has questioned Thomas Frank’s decision to start Micky van de Ven at left-back during Tottenham’s draw with Burnley.
The 24-year-old is actually the Netherlands’ first choice left-back right now, so it’s not like he’s unfamiliar with playing there; however, they have a plethora of centre-back options.
But Tottenham do not have that luxury, so starting the team’s best defender out of position was a rather odd call from the manager, and Sutton is right to question him.
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Speaking during the match, Sutton told BBC Sport: “He’s a machine Van de Ven, Edwards there tried to turn him, but he just eased past him.
Fill in the blank: Micky van de Ven is worth £__m in this current market?
“I don’t know if you know this, but how many times has Micky van de Ven started out at left-back? We know he’s versatile, but that does seem a bit of an odd one out there.”
This week, Van de Ven has been linked with a Tottenham exit, and it’s clear to see why he is so keen to leave the North London club.
Tottenham value Van de Ven at a British transfer record fee, so a move from a team like Liverpool still looks rather complicated.
Van de Ven’s Tottenham contract decision should give the club a strong indication as to where the project under Frank is headed.
Andrew Robertson should end the Micky van de Ven left-back experiment
Andrew Robertson looks set to join Tottenham, and his arrival should end the experiment of playing Van de Ven at left-back.
It’s clear that Spurs are worried about Destiny Udogie’s injury record, so adding Robertson will provide some greater coverage at full-back.
The 31-year-old is an interesting addition for the Lilywhites, but his experience at the top should be good for this squad.