Micky van de Ven has heaped praise on fellow centre-back Luka Vuskovic after the youngster finally linked up with Tottenham this summer. Confirming a deal with Hajduk Split for the Croat back in September 2023, Vuskovic has spent the past two seasons out on loan with Radomiak Radom and Westerlo.
Since arriving at Hotspur Way to join up with his Tottenham teammates for the very first time, the teenager marked his Spurs debut at Reading with a goal in the 2-0 win in Berkshire. Vuskovic has made a big impression on Tottenham fans since his transfer to the club was first confirmed and he could become a key part of Thomas Frank's team going forward.
As well as speaking about Vuskovic, Van de Ven was also quizzed about working under Frank, his approach to injuries and finally getting a full pre-season at Tottenham under his belt. Here is every word the Netherlands international had to say to the media during his joint press conference with head coach Frank.
What is it like working under Thomas Frank?
It was really good. The first couple of weeks have been really good working under the new gaffer. (Frank interrupts and says: "Thank you, you couldn’t say anything different could you?")
It has been a really good few weeks. The first meeting I was not there because I was with the national team. He just showed us his visions and how he wants us to behave on and off the pitch. That's the first things that are really important to him and that we will get into the group now.
How good is Luka Vuskovic from what you've seen of him in training and in the games so far this summer?
Luka is only 18 years old but what you can see from how he behaves on the pitch and off the pitch you can see he is a really talented football player. He has a lot of qualities and I think he has shown in the last two friendlies that he has a lot of big and strong points where even our centre-backs can learn from. He's done unbelievable at this point and hopefully he can do way more for us and hopefully you can see way more from him.
Your thoughts on the name 'Micky van de Vengeance'?
I've never heard that one before but it's not bad.
Who's the fastest player you've come up against in the Premier League?
It's a good question. Anthony Elanga who has just signed for Newcastle is a really fast player so I would think I would put him up the list.
Micky, are you going to visit any places in Hong Kong?
From what I've seen now from Hong Kong is that I am really enjoying it. The fans are unbelievable, they are 24/7 in and outside the hotel waiting for us to walk by. The support is unreal over here and what I've seen from the city is really good and hopefully we can visit some places if we get some free time but I have to ask the gaffer for that.
First North London Derby outside the UK?
There is always a lot of pressure before games. I go into the game the same as if we play the game in London. Of course the stadium will be full and there will be a lot of fans from our side, so I hope that we can make them happy and give them a good game.
Andreas Georgson has come in as set-piece coach, what have you learnt so far and what are you working on?
We have had a lot of training sessions already where we are working on set pieces. I know you guys love talking about set-pieces and Tottenham. I hope we can change that this year and make it a strong point for us on the offensive and defensive side.
How important is it to have a full pre-season this year?
I think it’s important. Last year with the Euros, pre-season for me was not that long. I only had one week or two weeks of training before I started the Premier League. It is really good that I have these training weeks and that I can do all these sessions and build up my strength in this physical training for the season.
Are you approaching this season differently in terms of injuries?
No, I don't approach this season any different compared to what it was like. I didn't really have a pre-season at Tottenham before because two years ago I came after the pre-season and last season I had the Euros, so I was not there.
I don't approach it differently. Of course there's more time to work on my body and make my body prepared for the Premier League and for the Champions League and for all the other games that are coming up. So I would say that's a positive thing that I can work on that.
In the Europa League final your goal line save was the most important moment for me, did it give you confidence for the new season?
It was a really nice moment of course, a moment that I will never forget. Yeah, of course it gives you confidence. I think not only for me, but also like for the team overall that you win at the end the Europa League, that gives us confidence for this season.
Last season was tough for us, and then if you can end it up with winning a trophy after a long time, that's a positive thing. And yeah, to bring that into this season, yeah, that can help us a lot, yeah.