Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven has opened up on playing alongside Virgil van Dijk for Netherlands and named Alexander Isak as his toughest Premier League opponent
Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven has discussed what it's like playing alongside Virgil van Dijk for the Netherlands and revealed his most challenging opponent. The Dutch international has established himself as one of the Premier League's finest defenders since his move to north London from Wolfsburg in August 2023.
Van de Ven has built a rock-solid centre-back partnership with Christian Romero that played a crucial role in Spurs lifting the Europa League last season - the club's first major silverware in 17 years.
Speaking to the Overlap, the 24-year-old reflected on his time in English football so far - including his bond with Liverpool's Van Dijk. The duo are expected to anchor the Netherlands' backline at next summer's World Cup finals.
He said: "We have a good relationship – we speak on the pitch, and I also speak with him off the pitch. Everybody can see he's an unbelievable defender.
"It's always good to play next to him because you always know what he can do. You trust him and you know what he can do, and what he can bring into the game – I have a good relationship with him."
Van de Ven has also singled out Liverpool's Alexander Isak as his toughest adversary. The Swedish striker has found life difficult following his £125m transfer to Anfield, though he established himself as one of the world's elite forwards during his time at Newcastle.
He added: "Last season, we played against Newcastle in the game we lost and I slipped, Alexander Isak was different level.
"At this point, I knew he was a top player. I always knew he was good, but this game was when I saw it first-hand.
"His movement, he's technical, he's fast and he's a top finisher, and he's just an all-round top player."
Amid fierce criticism of how he handled his move to Merseyside - Isak said in September that people do not have the "full picture" on the details of his transfer.
Speaking to the Swedish media, he said: "Not everyone has the full picture, but that's something for another day.
"That's part of football. I can't control everything that is said or written but I'm glad I became a Liverpool player. That's what I wanted and I'm happy about that.
"There is a lot to discuss, and it can be discussed for a long time. It has been educational, and I'm happy with the final result.
"I'm happy and proud to be a Liverpool player. I don't want to go into details or talk about that situation too much.
"It is a closed chapter, but I have never had any problems."