100% passing: Spurs hero just proved why he’s a £100m star in the making in Bilbao
After a turbulent and testing season filled with setbacks in the Premier League and domestic competitions, Tottenham Hotspur delivered when it mattered most.
In Bilbao, under the spotlight of a high-stakes Europa League final, Ange Postecoglou’s men etched their names into club history with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Manchester United.
It was not the most aesthetically pleasing match, nor was it a display of free-flowing, high-octane football, but none of that mattered to the thousands of Spurs fans who had waited 17 years for this moment.
The trophy cabinet now holds a long-awaited piece of silverware, and the win marks a turning point for a squad that has battled through adversity all year long.
The match itself offered few chances and lacked rhythm, but what it lacked in flair, it more than made up for in grit and commitment.
Brennan Johnson, the Welsh forward known for his bursts of pace and occasional inconsistencies, came up with the decisive moment that will be replayed in North London for years to come.
Just before the half-time whistle, his determination led to a scrappy but crucial goal, capitalizing on a deflected cross that found its way past Andre Onana with help from Luke Shaw’s unfortunate touch. It wasn’t beautiful, but it was enough.
Looking at the numbers, it’s clear Manchester United dominated possession and registered more shots, but Tottenham were resolute and clinical.
Their defensive structure held firm, even when United threatened to equalize. Cristian Romero, wearing the captain’s armband for most of the game, showed leadership beyond the stat sheet.
Despite his typically aggressive style, he remained focused, marshaled the back line expertly, and earned a well-deserved Man of the Match award.
Yves Bissouma also deserves recognition for a commanding display in midfield. The Mali international broke up play, disrupted United’s attempts to gain momentum, and occasionally carved through their defense with incisive passing.
His contribution didn’t go unnoticed, and critics who’ve questioned his consistency would struggle to fault him after this performance.
However, amid these standout displays, one player elevated himself to another level—Micky van de Ven. The Dutch defender, who joined from VfL Wolfsburg, showed every quality of a world-class center-back.
Strong, intelligent, composed, and lightning quick, van de Ven delivered a masterclass in modern defending. He completed every one of his passes, blocked two critical shots, made five clearances, and most impressively, performed a vital goal-line clearance after Guglielmo Vicario spilled a cross and Rasmus Højlund’s header seemed destined to level the score.
Here is a breakdown of the key match statistics that underline the contrasting styles of play from both teams:
| Match Statistic | Tottenham | Manchester United |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 1 | 0 |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 1.01 | 0.85 |
| Possession | 27% | 73% |
| Big Chances | 1 | 3 |
| Total Shots | 3 | 16 |
| Shots on Target | 1 | 6 |
| Saves | 5 | 0 |
| Fouls | 22 | 10 |
| Completed Passes | 187 | 512 |
Despite United’s statistical edge, Tottenham’s effectiveness in key moments made the difference. It’s worth noting that van de Ven’s influence went beyond numbers.
Football pundit Dan Kilpatrick rated him 9/10 and described his performance as “composed and commanding at the back.” Renowned talent scout Jacek Kulig went even further, calling him “one of Tottenham’s absolute heroes” of the night.
With fellow defender Cristian Romero previously valued at around £101 million, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to argue that van de Ven isn’t approaching that level himself.
The 24-year-old has quietly become one of the most dependable and dynamic defenders in Europe, and his rise has been both rapid and impressive.
Ultimately, Tottenham’s night in Bilbao wasn’t about dominance or flair—it was about heart, resilience, and seizing the moment.
Players like Johnson, Romero, and Bissouma played key roles in making history, but it was van de Ven’s towering display that truly stole the show.
In a season that often tested Spurs fans’ patience, this victory offers redemption, pride, and a glimpse into a promising future. With talents like van de Ven anchoring the defense, Tottenham may not have to wait another 17 years for their next piece of silverware.