Troy Deeney picks Tottenham star Micky van de Ven over Arsenal ace Gabriel
Tottenham Hotspur enjoyed a splendid 3-0 win over Everton last weekend. It was a structural performance that the Lilywhites put in against David Moyes’ side which earned them a historic win at Hill Dickinson Stadium. The North Londoners became the first away side to claim all three points at the Toffees’ new stadium.
It was a big result that Thomas Frank & Co. really needed. Coming on the back of some difficult performances and then going away to the Merseyside Blues, where they haven’t won since 2018, it was always going to be a bit sketchy.
But three goals ensured that Tottenham finished the Premiership game week third on the table. And under the Dane head coach, the Lilywhites now have one of the best records defensively.
And after that thrilling win, former Watford striker now turned pundit Troy Deeney opted to include one of Frank’s men in his Premier League Team of the Week. And it doesn’t come as a surprise given his performances.
Micky van de Ven earns the nod in TOTW by Deeney
Troy Deeney went on to pick Micky van de Ven in his TOTW. The Dutch centre‑back was integral to the Lilywhites’ win given that he went on to net a brace at the weekend. But the brace was not enough, as he also kept a clean sheet.
And while announcing his team, Deeney also suggested how he initially wanted to pick Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes at the heart of his team. But Van de Ven’s performance was too good to ignore. He said (via. BBC Sport):
“Any centre-half who keeps a clean sheet and gets two goals has to go in the team for me.
“I wanted to put Gabriel in but I just thought van de Ven’s performance was very good in a game where I thought Spurs could struggle.
“They’ve been poor the last couple of weeks and it’s a huge win for them as well.”
TTLB Opinion
For Tottenham to have this dual-threat player is gold. A defender who can attack and then be as stable defensively as he is. It is something that can aid the North Londoners for a long time. Especially given that set‑pieces are becoming a significant weapon at Hotspur Way (and in world football). And it looks like van de Ven is right at the centre of that evolution.
The Lilywhites supporters would savour moments like the brace from yesterday and, in fact, players like Van de Ven. And now with Van de Ven being picked ahead of big names from rivals, it shows that Tottenham have started to put through their own identity.
What do you make of Micky van de Ven being picked by Deeney over Arsenal CB Gabriel? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
