Thomas Frank may soon find himself rethinking Tottenham’s entire defensive structure after what Micky van de Ven produced during the international break. The Dutch defender has been one of the Premier League’s standout performers this season, a player whose pace, composure, and presence have transformed Tottenham’s back line.
But what he did away from North London may open a new door entirely for Spurs, giving Frank a fresh dilemma one he probably never expected.
During the Netherlands’ 1-1 draw with Poland on Friday, Van de Ven was deployed in a completely different role. Ronald Koeman made the bold decision to start the Tottenham star at left-back, a position he has not regularly played at club level.
Many would have assumed this experiment could unsettle a player who has thrived at centre-back, especially in a competitive international fixture. Instead, Van de Ven delivered what may be his most complete and confident performance for the national team.
The Netherlands edged closer to confirming their spot at the 2026 World Cup thanks to their significant goal difference advantage, and Van de Ven played all 90 minutes without picking up any sort of injury a huge relief for Thomas Frank.
Yet what matters most is not just that he remained fit, but how remarkably well he adapted to an unfamiliar position. His display was so polished that it raised immediate questions about whether Tottenham may be sitting on an unexpected solution in their defensive unit.
Van de Ven’s statistics from the match tell the story clearly. He completed 100 percent of his passes 58 out of 58. Every long ball he attempted was accurate. Every dribble he tried succeeded.
He made recoveries, dominated his ground duels, and recorded one of the highest defensive ratings on the pitch. His combination of speed, recovery strength, and technical quality translated seamlessly into a role that demanded constant movement and awareness on the flank. It wasn’t simply a solid performance; it was a statement.
What makes this even more impressive is the level of opposition he faced. Poland lined up with dangerous players such as Matty Cash and the world-class Robert Lewandowski, yet Van de Ven handled his side of the pitch like a natural full-back.
His attacking involvement mirrored the breathtaking run he recently produced for Tottenham in the Champions League, where he carried the ball the length of the field before scoring a goal that quickly went viral.
Koeman, recognising that ball-carrying ability, clearly encouraged him to step higher up the pitch and trust his instincts.
Now, this leaves Thomas Frank with a fascinating question: should Van de Ven remain strictly a centre-back for Spurs, or does his performance for the Netherlands offer a new blueprint?
Tottenham suddenly have another credible left-back option and one who brings attributes that are rare anywhere in Europe. Frank has been working with a squad that already includes Destiny Udogie, Ben Davies, and Djed Spence as potential left-side players, but none possess the raw pace and defensive recovery power that Van de Ven brings to the table.
If injuries, suspensions, or tactical adjustments become an issue, Frank may now feel more comfortable shifting Van de Ven wide without losing defensive solidity.
A defensive lineup featuring Van de Ven at left-back could also allow Spurs to experiment with different centre-back pairings, giving more freedom to adjust based on form, fitness, or the opponent.
His ability to seamlessly move across positions gives Tottenham a level of flexibility that top managers dream of. It opens the door for more attacking output on the left flank without sacrificing structure at the back, something that could become valuable in big matches or late-season tactical tweaks.
Of course, Van de Ven has been outstanding as a centre-back for Tottenham, and that will likely remain his primary role. His partnership, awareness, and decision-making in central defence have been vital this season.
But what he showed for the Netherlands is too significant to ignore. It proves he can be more than a one-position defender. He is a multi-dimensional talent who can elevate Spurs in different ways depending on the needs of the team.
Frank, as a result, now has an unexpected advantage one that could shape how he approaches the next phase of Tottenham’s campaign. Van de Ven’s versatility has given him the freedom to rethink, adapt, and innovate.
And for Spurs supporters, it is simply another reminder of just how special this player has become.
