Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham could be handed a worrying Micky van de Ven scenario after a huge decision was made. The 23-year-old has been a vital player for Spurs since his arrival in the summer of 2023 with his frightening pace an attribute regularly needed.
Though the Lilywhites are far from defensively solid, he has formed a strong partnership with Cristian Romero and ahead of Gugelielmo Vicario. His versatility also allows him to play at left-back with a number of cameos made in the role during the latter stages of last season when Destiny Udogie was injured.
Van de Ven has suffered some muscular injuries of his own though, with Postecoglou keen not to risk him. Earlier this season, he missed the clash against Newcastle with the Spurs boss not wanting his minor knock to become major. “I’ve been mindful of Micky,” he said after utilising him at left-back for just 30 minutes against Burnley.
“He’s had a couple of injuries and I’ve got to be careful with him when it comes to the demands of playing left-back in our system. I’ve got to think about the future and the physical demands are different at left-back.” Despite his preference to play in the centre of defence, he is deployed at full-back for the Netherlands.
Nathan Ake and Jurrien Timber are ahead of him in the pecking order but injuries have seen both left out of Ronald Koeman’s squad with Van de Ven set to benefit. For the Nations League clash against Hungary, he has been named in the starting XI at left-back.
Given what Postecoglou has already said about him playing in the position, there will be some concern over the defender potentially picking up a muscular injury. On Monday evening, the Dutch are back in action against Germany and another start for Van de Ven, especially if he impresses, looks likely.
Going forward, Van de Ven could make the spot his own with Virgil van Dijk and Stefan de Vrij as the preferred centre-back duo and thus the Spurs man is likely to remain on the flank. With that being said, he is nearly a decade younger than both and therefore will likely succeed either as a key part of the Netherlands’ spine.
“My favourite position is the centre back position,” he admitted to reporters after a training session with the national team. “Nathan Aké is now injured, [Jurrien] Timber is injured. I hope to fill in the [left-back] spot now, yes.” In the meantime though, as he has stated, playing at left-back will have to be what he settles for.
While Postecoglou will certainly be pleased that his players are playing competitive games over the break and thus staying match fit, he will be hoping Van de Ven can return to Hotspur Way without injury.
