Chris Waddle feels Mickey Van de Ven is possibly being better looked after this season after a number of injuries for the Tottenham man last season
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Former Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Sheffield Wednesday man Chris Waddle believes Mickey Van de Ven could possibly be ‘being looked after better this season’ as the defender continues to make a big impact for Thomas Frank.
The centre-back had to deal with a spate of injuries last campaign with four separate issues ruling the 24-year-old out for over 30 games in total.
He has yet to suffer any injuries this term and has been one of Spurs’ stand-out players under Frank. He has made 16 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals. In his 51 one previous games for Tottenham, he had scored just three goals. Waddle believes a bad injury is one of the only things that could halt the player’s progress.
Speaking to London World with SheKicks, Waddle said: “The most important thing for now is that he stays fit. He’s very quick, he’s a danger at set pieces, and he defends well. He’s improving and he’s staying injury-free right now, touch wood.
“This is the key for him. He comes in, looks the part, then is out injured. Sometimes that’s the problem for very quick players, they are vulnerable to hamstring problems, and I hope he’s past that.
“Last season he had a couple of hamstring problems, and with a new manager, the training is different. It might be less high pressure now, which could have been tough on him. Perhaps he’s being looked after better this season.”
Mickey Van de Ven impressive goal-scoring start
Van de Ven’s stand-out goal for Spurs this season came in a Champions League win over Copenhagen. The defender ran around 90 metres on his own and smashed the ball in at the near post.
"That could be goal of the season, definitely," Frank said after being asked about the defender's brilliant solo effort.
"It was like Lionel Messi transformed into a centre-back, the way Micky ran through everyone. Fantastic goal."
Premier League winner Joe Hart also hailed the goal, saying: "Wow, wow, wow. This is one of the best displays I've seen from a centre-half. Dominant. Saw his chance, charged through Copenhagen. They didn't even look like they wanted to challenge him. Petrified of his pace and power. He's on the edge of his box. How many around him? Four, five. Not standing a chance. Incredible finish at the end of that run.
"That's one of those that will shake the world. Everyone will see that goal; admittedly, this might not be the game everyone was watching tonight. That goal from Micky van de Ven, you'll see that over and over again.”
Mickey Van de Ven must be handed new Tottenham contract
Van de Ven joined Spurs on a six-year deal in 2023 but despite still having over three years on that contract, Spurs must consider extending his stay at the club. At the age of 24, he still has his best years ahead of him and Tottenham must do all they can to ensure he remains at the club.
According to Sky Sports, this is something already in the plans for Spurs who want to give the defender improved terms as “a number of clubs in England and Europe are understood to be keeping an eye on his situation.”