Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven sparked controversy with his reckless challenge on Liverpool striker Alexander Isak that caused a fractured leg.
Tottenham Hotspur were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Liverpool at home last weekend. It was a game full of drama and controversy, with Spurs seeing Xavi Simons and Cristian Romero getting sent off in each half. There was also another incident that happened during the game.
Micky van de Ven has faced criticism after his tackle led to Alexander Isak suffering a broken leg. The Spurs star had attempted to block the Swede’s opening goal, but only made contact with the centre-forward in a challenge that flattened him. Isak was immediately seen grimacing in pain on the floor, calling for help. The Liverpool physios ran towards Isak and helped him to come off the pitch.
After Liverpool confirmed that Isak has undergone successful surgery, Arne Slot lashed out at Micky van de Ven for his reckless challenge on his striker. The Reds boss said the Sweden international suffered a broken foot as a result of a “reckless” challenge from Van de Ven, which risks serious injury ten times out of ten.
TalkSPORT pundits come in support of Van de Ven after harsh Arne Slot claims
Discussing Arne Slot’s comments live on talkSPORT show, ex-footballers Charlie Adam and Dean Saunders both came in support of Van de Ven, claiming there was little else the Spurs defender could have done in that situation.
“I think it was a harsh comment in terms of it was ‘reckless’. He’s put his body on the line to stop a goal for his team,” Charlie Adam said on talkSPORT.
“I don’t think he’s intended to go and try to hurt Isak. Isak is obviously there and he shoots with this left foot and he catches him.
“But I don’t see it as like he’s gone to try and hurt him, he’s defending the goal for his team. Isak’s [got off] a wonderful strike and unfortunately for him it’s gone that way and he’s tangled his leg and yeah, it’s a huge blow for the player.”
“Charlie, I agree with you… If you look at it from the defender’s point of view, he’s trying to block the shot. It’s a last-ditch tackle and you’ve seen defenders get up off the floor and get everyone patting them on the back for what he’s done,” Dean Saunders added.
“Unfortunately, Isak’s not got his leg off the floor. He’s getting his shot, but as a striker that [happens] every week, you learn somehow how to get your feet off the floor and ride that tackle while you’re still looking at the ball. In training I might not even shoot if I knew the player who was coming across who might hurt me.
“So, what would you say to Van de Ven there? His other option there was to just let him shoot, so he couldn’t do that, and by accident he’s broke his leg.”
Van de Ven must prove his worth vs. Crystal Palace
Tottenham cannot dwell on the Liverpool defeat for far too long, as they have games coming thick and fast. Up next is a trip to south London to face Crystal Palace, who are currently on a four-game winless run.
Thomas Frank will be without the suspended Romero and Simons for the game against Crystal Palace. In Romero’s absence, Van de Ven has to step up to the plate and deliver a top performance. The Netherlands international will be the leader of the pack at the back on Sunday, and he must avoid any sort of indiscipline that leaves the entire team out to dry.
A strong performance from the 24-year-old could go a long way in helping Tottenham keep a clean sheet at Selhurst Park.