Micky van de Ven has become one of the standout stars for Tottenham this season and only looks like improving after being compared to Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk.
Still just 22 years old, the defender has already established himself as one of the most important players in Ange Postecoglou’s team and shows signs of getting better every week.
Having missed 11 games through injury this season after suffering a hamstring blow, playing just 20 of 31 so far, concern may grow about his fitness, but if he can stay fully fit he will continue to improve.
Van de Ven is already better than Virgil van Dijk was at his age, Jamie Redknapp said, giving the impression that the Spurs player may eventually surpass the Liverpool star.
Redknapp stated on Sky Sports [as reported on X, April 7]: “I think this guy has everything going for him.” When the Spurs lost him and he suffered his hamstring injuries, you could tell the difference.
“If he avoids injuries, he should be able to nearly duplicate Virgil Van Dijk’s performance. Virgil wasn’t giving the kinds of performances he is today when he was in a similar age range. He’s a great player as long as he avoids suffering too many injuries along the way.
Micky Van de Ven shines for Tottenham this season
Having started all 20 of his 20 appearances in the Premier League this season, it is clear how much Postecoglou relies on the Dutchman the marshall his defensive unit.
That responsibility is made clear by his average of 2.0 tackles, 5.8 recoveries and 2.7 clearances per game, However, he is only dribbled past 0.3 times on average each game, demonstrating how tough it is to stop him in one-on-one situations. [Sofascore]
His 62% duel success rate—which increases to 68% in ground duels—raises his average number of victories per game to 4.7, further demonstrating how he prevails in most fights.
A significant component of Van van Ven’s game is his confidence in possession, which is demonstrated by his average of 78.5 touches per game and 95% pass accuracy, which increases to 97% when he is in his own half. Additionally, the defender averages a 66% accuracy rate on long passes.
Spurs have averaged 61.7% possession this season because to the defense’s tenacity and confidence-boosting play from the back. Although Postecoglou’s reckless style of play makes the team’s defensive statistics unremarkable, Van van Ven is one of the team’s best players.
Should he maintain his present course, there’s no reason why the defender can’t equal Van Dijk’s accomplishments.
In other Tottenham news, there’s a fresh transfer rumor involving Richarlison.
