Ben Foster in disbelief over what happened with Micky van de Ven at EURO 2024 this week
Former England goalkeeper Ben Foster expressed his disbelief when he learned that Tottenham Hotspur FC defender Micky van de Ven did not make the starting eleven for the Netherlands in their EURO 2024 opener against Poland.
Micky is in Germany to represent Holland following a marvellous first season at White Hart Lane. He moved to the N17 from German giants Wolfsburg only last summer; however, he has made a name for himself as one of the most exciting central-defensive prospects in the Premier League.
The former Wolfsburg star showed his capabilities to play in the left-back role at the end of the last season with Spurs, and he has been used in similar capacities by Dutch gaffer Ronald Koeman in the friendlies leading up to the European Championship. However, the 23-year-old failed to make the first eleven in their opener against Poland, with the former Barcelona manager preferring Manchester City defender Nathan Ake in the left-back role. Virgil Van Dijn and Stefan De Vrij completed the duo at the heart of the defence.
Van de Ven did get a run-in after replacing Ake in the 87th minute to see out a 2-1 lead. However, Foster expressed his surprise that Koeman did not start the 23-year-old. Speaking on The Cycling GK Youtube channel, former West Brom goalkeeper said:
“Talking about defenders, did you see the Dutch backline, by the way? Oh my gosh! Micky van de Ven can’t even get into the starting lineup. He didn’t start. He came on at left-back, he did. He came on at left-back, Micky van de Ven.”
Micky has shown his capabilities in the Premier League, and he can most definitely do the job for the Netherlands. They now face France on Saturday, and the 23-year-old’s recovery pace should come in handy against pacey wingers. However, does Koeman start him against the mighty French? Only time will tell.
