/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/11/20/image-6b933b0d-a6ac-42c6-8c3e-a9a0ee8e5f66-85-2560-1440.jpeg "'Complete defenders need to do that' - Frank gives Van de Ven assessment - TNT Sports")
Thomas Frank believes that in-form Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven does not rely on his pace, ahead of the north London derby against Arsenal. Frank insists the Dutch defender's goalscoring record this season reflects that of "complete defenders". Spurs will travel to Emirates Stadium for Frank's first derby since taking over from Ange Postecoglou in the summer.
Thomas Frank believes that Micky van de Ven does not solely rely on his pace and that the Tottenham Hotspur star has emulated the beautiful game's "complete defenders" by showing off his goalscoring prowess this season.
He will be key to Spurs' hopes of upsetting Premier League leaders Arsenal in the north London derby on Sunday, Frank’s first since replacing Ange Postecoglou as Spurs manager in the summer.
Frank admits that some defenders do rely on their pace, but he feels that there is so much more to Van de Ven’s game.
"I think when you are a quick player, you can rely a little bit too much on your pace," he told former England international Owen Hargreaves.
"He works a lot on his positioning in the box, which I think is crucial. As a defender, one thing is to be physical and quick and all that, but also the best defenders for me do what I call cool and composed defending.
"They are not hectic, they are just waiting, then boom, they block. That’s key. He is obviously fantastic on the ball, he can drive forward, he has a beautiful left foot and can play short or in behind.
"Also, this year he has added a set-piece threat, which I think again the complete defenders need to do that."
Frank’s side are currently fifth in the Premier League table after a mixed start to the season.
Spurs were booed off the pitch by sections of their own support following a 1-0 defeat against Chelsea earlier this month, but they followed that up with a morale-boosting win against Copenhagen and a dramatic 2-2 draw with Manchester United.
Frank's style of play may have been called into question by some, but he is adamant that one non-negotiable with his teams is that they put in effort.
"For me, it is a big thing; we need to work hard as a team," he said. "There is not one team in world history that has achieved something without working really hard.
"It is [a blueprint for success], of course, we need to build up in a nice way and we need to defend in a nice way. But just a pure work ethic in these days, it is like a non-negotiable."
Despite a rollercoaster Premier League campaign, Spurs have enjoyed some success in the UEFA Champions League.
They are currently 10th in the league phase table, undefeated after four games with two wins and two draws.
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Getting the Spurs job was the culmination of a long journey for Frank, who has reached Europe’s elite competition after starting his managerial career with an under-8s team.
"It started really small," he added. "Literally step by step. I think after four years at under-8s and under-12s, then I started thinking maybe under-17s.
"I had that for a few years, and then at a certain stage I was thinking I could maybe have a full-time job in this."
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