Micky van de Ven is quickly establishing himself as Ronald Koeman’s first-choice left-back for the Netherlands, and Tottenham Hotspur might take note.
The 24-year-old is one of the Premier League’s top central defenders, but for his national team, the former Bundesliga star is used elsewhere.
The defender’s speed allows him to move up and down the left flank with confidence, and for Spurs, he often demonstrates his confidence in carrying the ball forward.
The Netherlands are set to be one of the favourites for next summer’s World Cup, and the Tottenham Hotspur ace could be a key part of their team.
Micky van de Ven’s speed vs Finland impresses Dutch media
Micky van de Ven had a rather quiet evening during the Netherlands’ 4-0 win over Finland on Sunday evening, but for all the right reasons.
The Spurs star wasn’t getting forward as much during Holland’s latest World Cup qualifier and instead focused on being defensively sound at left-back.
The Dutch media were left in agreement that Van de Ven looked ‘comfortable’ in the full-back role, with his speed meaning he was very rarely tested.
VoetbalPrimeur rated his display 6/10 and wrote: “Not a particularly impressive performance from Van de Ven, who abandoned his trademark rushes.
“Defensively, his speed rarely gets him into trouble. Fortunately, there’s no speed camera in the Johan Cruijff ArenA.”
Meanwhile, Football Oranje gave him a 6.5 and claimed: “Strong but unremarkable performance again from the left back, who was comfortable throughout.”
The defender completed seven recoveries, showcasing his impressive ability to get to the end of loose passes with his speed.
Thomas Frank should consider Micky van de Ven position change
Thomas Frank should consider using the Dutch international at left-back from time to time at Tottenham, especially with Kevin Danso impressing every time he plays.
Destiny Udogie and Djed Spence are already vying for the left-back spot at Spurs, but Van de Ven offers Frank yet another option there.
Van de Ven, who Tottenham hope will sign a new contract, could allow Spurs to be even more defensively solid by featuring at left-back, and give Pedro Porro greater freedom to attack on the other side.
When Ange Postecoglou used the former Wolfsburg player at full-back, he impressed on the whole, and it just offers Frank something to bear in mind moving forward.