Goals have become a common part of Micky van de Ven’s game for Tottenham this season.
Tottenham have had a ropey season to date, but the performances of Van de Ven have been something special for the most part.
The Dutchman scored a wonder goal in Tottenham’s 4-0 win over Copenhagen in the Champions League on Tuesday, with his all-round display just as impressive.
However, Van de Ven will gain even more recognition for his contributions if he continues this form after the latest reveal.
Spurs have never had a defender like Micky van de Ven
Whether it be Ledley King, Jan Vertonghen or Cristian Romero, Tottenham have had some incredible defenders over the years.
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However, very few of them have posed a constant goal threat.
Until now, with Van de Ven’s Lionel Messi-esque goal in the Champions League, taking him to five for the campaign across all competitions, from an xG of 2.24.
At this rate, the Dutchman is on course to score 10 or more goals this season, which is something that has never been achieved before by a Tottenham defender.
Gareth Bale is an anomaly, having featured as a left-back and as a forward, while some of Spurs’ best defenders in recent history have only been able to hit six.
Centre-backs are becoming more of a goal threat in modern football, but there is arguably none who poses such a threat compared to Van de Ven when it comes to open play.
Micky van de Ven has been sensational in the Champions League
Not only does he have goals in his game, but Van de Ven is also a very good defender.
Via FotMob, the Dutchman has completed 22 recoveries in the Champions League, which is better than 95.5 per cent of players in his position.
Van de Ven has a 94 per cent pass accuracy, with 237 completed passes, which is again among the highest for central defenders in the competition.
His ability in the air, as well as his ability to read the game, is top class, and the fact that Van de Ven is Tottenham’s top scorer is the cherry on top of what has been an excellent start to the season for him.