Mickey van de Ven compared to Lionel Messi after ‘comic book’ solo goal for Tottenham Hotspur in UEFA Champions League tie with FC Copenhagen

With Tottenham Hotspur down to 10 men in the second half while 2-0 up against FC Copenhagen in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, there was perhaps a hint of angst in the north London air that Thomas Frank's side might let their lead slip. Up stepped Micky van de Ven to allay their fears in perhaps the most stunning way possible, as he embarked on a "sensational" solo run to notch Spurs' third.

Micky van de Ven left the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a state of shock as he netted an "absolutely sensational" solo goal on Tuesday, with Thomas Frank comparing the defender to Lionel Messi.

Spurs had worked their way into a 2-0 lead against FC Copenhagen in their UEFA Champions League clash by the 51st minute, but Brennan Johnson's 55th-minute sending off threatened to derail Thomas Frank's side, with Copenhagen attempting to stretch the game and reduce their deficit.

Up stepped Van de Ven - the centre back who is Spurs' top goalscorer (5) this season, to establish a three-goal cushion in "unbelievable" fashion.

"That could be goal of the season, definitely," Frank said after being asked about the defender's wonderful strike.

"It was like Lionel Messi transformed into a centre-back, the way Micky ran through everyone. Fantastic goal."

The Dutchman collected the ball just on the edge of his own penalty area after Mohamed Elyounoussi was dispossessed by Joao Palhinha.

From here, the Spurs defender produced what will surely go down as an all-time classic Champions League moment - one that will "shake the world," according to former Spurs goalkeeper Joe Hart.

Within a few strides, Van de Ven had beaten five recovering Copenhagen men with his renowned blistering pace, bursting through the middle, seemingly with a force field around him.

His scintillating speed left Copenhagen's right centre-half, Gabriel Pereira, out of the question. It was now just a case of whether Pantelis Hatzidiakos could cover the ground before Van de Ven was in on goal. But before the defender could even get within a few yards of the Spurs man, he had unleashed a fierce left-footed strike in at the near post, which sent the home crowd into pandemonium.

It took just about nine seconds for Van de Ven to dispatch his strike after racing from the edge of his own penalty area - a goal so supreme it drew goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario to sprint from his own goal to celebrate with the Spurs players - despite appearing to be nursing a slight hamstring issue.

Why Haaland 'knew' he was going to excel at Man City before joining - 'There's a reason I came'

Why 'baffling' comments from Earps' book won't impact England legacy - Williams column

"That is absolutely sensational from Micky van de Ven," Darren Fletcher said on TNT Sports commentary. "The pace, the power, the finish.

"Tottenham's leading scorer with a candidate for goal of the season. That was men against boys. He looked like the older lad in the playground running through the younger ones.

"It was such a physical mismatch. Look at this, just enjoy this. I'm going to make the claim now: you're going to have to have a hell of a goal for that not to be goal of the season, and it's only November."

'That will shake the world'

Joe Hart was equally stunned by the developments at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium: "Wow, wow, wow. This is one of the best displays I've seen from a centre-half. Dominant.

"Saw his chance, charged through Copenhagen. They didn't even look like they wanted to challenge him. Petrified of his pace and power. He's on the edge of his box. How many around him? Four, five. Not standing a chance. Incredible finish at the end of that run."

He added: "That's one of those that will shake the world. Everyone will see that goal; admittedly, this might not be the game everyone was watching tonight. That goal from Micky van de Ven, you'll see that over and over again.

Joe Cole, meanwhile, said Van de Ven had just displayed an "old-school Buffalo Bills run," and does not feel a better goal will be scored this season.

"Wow," Cole remarked on TNT Sports' UEFA Champions League Goals Show Xtra. "That is comic book incredible.

"It is unbelievable. I think the boys nailed it. You've just seen the goal of the season. That whole place will be lit up watching that.

"He is an unbelievable footballer. Just when you think you've seen everything in footballers, you find a centre half who can dribble the length of the pitch, because he does it consistently."

Watching on as Vicario joined the celebrations, Cole added: "His hamstring is tight, and he felt the need to sprint 100 yards to celebrate, that's how good that goal was!"

Van de Ven's heroics put an emphatic end to speculation over disharmony at Spurs after he appeared to snub Frank when being withdrawn as a substitute in the Premier League defeat to Chelsea.

Spurs' 4-0 win means they have collected eight points from their first four matches in Europe - temporarily landing them seventh in the league phase standings.

Stream the Premier League, Men’s and Women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more on TNT Sports and discovery+

Related Topics