Outstanding Tottenham ace with 93% is key for Postecoglou, Legend dubs him Best in EPL
Tottenham Hotspur’s hopes for a successful 2024/25 Premier League campaign under Ange Postecoglou rest heavily on the shoulders of their talented center-back, Micky van de Ven. As Spurs navigate the early challenges of the season, van de Ven has emerged as a central figure in their quest for consistency and success.
Tottenham’s start to the 2024/25 Premier League season has been a tale of contrasts. The North London club opened their campaign with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on August 19th. Despite controlling much of the game, Spurs were unable to secure the three points, leaving fans and pundits questioning their ability to compete at the highest level.
However, just a week later, Tottenham delivered a resounding response. On August 24th, they swept aside Everton with a convincing 4-0 victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The win showcased the attacking prowess of Postecoglou’s side, but more importantly, it highlighted the critical role Micky van de Ven plays in their defensive setup.
With four points from their opening two matches, Tottenham face a daunting task in the coming weeks. A trip to St James’ Park to take on Newcastle United on September 1st will be followed by a highly anticipated North London derby against Arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 15th. These matches will be crucial in determining whether Spurs can establish themselves as genuine contenders this season.
If Tottenham are to take points from these difficult fixtures, they will need van de Ven to be at his best. The Dutch defender’s performances will be pivotal in containing the attacking threats posed by Newcastle and Arsenal.
Micky van de Ven’s performance in Tottenham’s 4-0 victory over Everton was nothing short of spectacular. Former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor was effusive in his praise, describing van de Ven as “outstanding” and “the best centre-back in the league” during a discussion on the talkSPORT YouTube channel on August 27th.
While van de Ven’s defensive contributions were solid, it was his attacking involvement that caught the eye. The Dutchman’s assist for Son Heung-min’s second goal and Tottenham’s fourth was a moment of brilliance. Van de Ven ran the length of the pitch before delivering a perfectly weighted pass to his captain, who made no mistake in finding the back of the net.
Defensively, van de Ven had a relatively quiet day against Everton, winning just one of his three aerial duels and one of his six ground duels, according to Sofascore. However, he did make two crucial interceptions and blocked one shot. It was his composure on the ball that truly stood out, as he completed 93% of his passes, with one key pass contributing directly to a goal.
While van de Ven’s attacking exploits against Everton grabbed the headlines, his defensive performance in the season opener against Leicester City was equally impressive. The Dutchman was a rock at the back, winning 100% of his ground and aerial duels and making three clearances.
In addition to his defensive solidity, van de Ven continued to demonstrate his ability to contribute in possession. He completed 94% of his passes against Leicester and delivered four accurate long balls, helping Tottenham maintain control of the game from the back.
As Tottenham navigate a challenging early-season schedule, the importance of keeping Micky van de Ven fit and firing cannot be overstated. The Dutchman’s blend of defensive acumen and ball-playing ability makes him a linchpin in Postecoglou’s system. His presence at the heart of the defense provides Spurs with the stability they need to compete against the Premier League’s top sides.
With crucial fixtures against Newcastle United and Arsenal on the horizon, Tottenham will rely on van de Ven to lead their defensive efforts. His performances in these matches could well determine the trajectory of their season. If Spurs are to achieve their ambitions under Ange Postecoglou, they will need van de Ven to continue his excellent form and remain injury-free.
In a season where consistency and resilience will be key, Micky van de Ven stands out as Tottenham Hotspur’s defensive anchor. His contributions at both ends of the pitch have already proven invaluable, and his ability to perform under pressure will be crucial as Spurs face some of the Premier League’s toughest opponents.
As Ange Postecoglou looks to build on Tottenham’s promising start, the form and fitness of van de Ven will be central to any success they achieve. Whether it’s making crucial defensive interventions or driving forward to create goal-scoring opportunities, van de Ven is set to play a defining role in Tottenham’s 2024/25 campaign.
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