Tottenham’s Van de Ven told he would ‘walk into’ the Manchester City team
Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven has made the headlines this season for his immaculate performances in the backline next to Cristian Romero. And while Spurs have far from a great defensive record in the Premier League, it is the Dutchman who has earned widespread praise over recent months.
His exploits in north London have also linked Van de Ven with a move to Real Madrid, though Tottenham value him very highly and are unlikely to let go of him any time soon. The Whites are also keen on signing Cristian Romero but Spurs’ stance with the Argentinian international is the same as with Van de Ven, and so the duo looks likely to be at Hotspur Way for a long time.
Jamie O’Hara and Dean Saunders spoke about the 23-year-old in a recent talkSPORT podcast, in which the former believes VDV would ‘walk into’ Manchester City’s backline. Saunders did not seem to agree. Here is the full conversation between the two pundits, as has been decoded by Caught Offside.
Jamie O’Hara: “I think Van de Ven is a world-class player.”
Dean Saunders: “Van de Ven? He has had one season playing in the high line. World class? Van de Ven?”
Jamie O’Hara: “Van de Ven is world-class.”
Dean Saunders: “He ain’t getting in Manchester City’s team. He is not getting in Liverpool’s.”
Jamie O’Hara: “What are you talking about? He would walk straight into Manchester City’s team. He walks into it.”
Micky van de Ven’s stock has been on the rise for quite some time now, but it seems like too early a claim by O’Hara for him to ease into Manchester City’s line-up. From a Tottenham point of view, VDV has put every step right but with perennial champions Manchester City requiring a lot more, there is perhaps some more time until the former Wolfsburg defender can be a regular for them.
His positioning and composure on the ball some times leaves a bit to be desired. With that said, his mentality to be a part of the dressing room still needs to be tested as he has not won any major accolade in his club or international career so far. Van de Ven, however, remains a defender with a very high ceiling and Ange Postecoglou is absolutely the right man for him to hit that level.
More Tottenham Hotspur News:
- Tottenham in three-way transfer battle as Conte plans to sign Spurs target this summer
- Not Toney – Tottenham put off by €50m asking price for striker whose contract expires in less than 12 months
- Tottenham now in position to hijack Chelsea deal for Serie A ace
Meanwhile, it will be interesting to see how his development continues over the next couple of years and if there are some bigger sides lining up moves for him. Tottenham, who have failed in achieving their targets for many years now, could be resigned to losing a bright player if they are unable to build a convincing sporting project sooner rather than later.
