Micky van de Ven has found himself in the spotlight this week after sitting down for a long-form interview, giving fans a deeper look into his life and career since arriving in North London.
Since joining Tottenham Hotspur, the Dutch defender has been a regular presence in the starting line-up, missing just one Premier League game out of 55. His importance to the side has never really been questioned, and for a long time he looked like one of the first names on the team sheet.
However, this season has not started as smoothly for the left-footed centre-back. While his pace and ability on the ball remain clear strengths, there have been growing concerns about his defensive output, especially in the air.
Van de Ven has struggled badly in aerial battles, winning well under half of his duels in the league so far. For a central defender playing at the top level, that is a worrying trend, and it has not gone unnoticed by supporters or decision-makers inside the club.
Tottenham’s situation becomes even more interesting with fresh reports suggesting the club are ready to move for another top Premier League centre-back. Spurs are said to be among several elite English clubs monitoring Crystal Palace captain Marc Guéhi, whose contract is entering its final stages.
Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United are all believed to have checked on the England international’s availability, but Tottenham are reportedly prepared to make a serious offer.
Guéhi has been one of the most consistent defenders in the league over the past few seasons. Despite being naturally right-footed, he regularly operates on the left side of central defence, the same position Van de Ven currently occupies at Spurs.
That alone makes the link fascinating, as it would immediately create competition for a starting role rather than simply adding depth.
From a defensive point of view, Guéhi’s numbers this season paint a very strong picture. He has been calm, aggressive when needed, and dominant in duels.
While Van de Ven offers speed and a threat from set pieces, Guéhi combines solid positioning with reliability, especially under pressure. Importantly, he has also shown he can contribute going forward, registering goals and assists despite his primary role being to stop attacks.
Tottenham have often looked vulnerable when defending crosses and set pieces, and that weakness has been exposed more than once.
A centre-back who can consistently win aerial battles and organise those around him would make a huge difference. Guéhi’s performances suggest he could be exactly that player, and his leadership qualities as Palace captain would also be valuable in a Spurs back line that can sometimes look uncertain.
Below is a simple comparison of how both defenders have performed in the Premier League this season, based on key defensive metrics:
| 2025/26 Premier League Stats | Marc Guéhi | Micky van de Ven |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 15 | 15 |
| Tackles + Interceptions per game | 2.9 | 2.2 |
| Clearances per game | 5.1 | 3.3 |
| Blocks per game | 0.3 | 0.3 |
| Duels won per game | 5.7 | 3.0 |
| Ground duel success rate | 62% | 56% |
| Aerial duel success rate | 71% | 38% |
| Yellow cards | 2 | 3 |
The contrast is especially clear when looking at aerial duels. Guéhi winning over 70 percent of his battles in the air shows just how dominant he has been. Van de Ven’s figure, by comparison, is extremely low for a centre-back and helps explain why Spurs have struggled to control games defensively.
Palace, meanwhile, have conceded fewer goals and currently sit above Tottenham in the table, which adds further weight to the argument.
Guéhi has previously been described as a “monster in defence,” and this season’s performances support that claim. He reads the game well, stays composed under pressure, and rarely looks flustered.
If Tottenham can secure his signature, whether in January for a reduced fee or on a free transfer in the summer, it would represent a major statement of intent.
For Van de Ven, the interest in Guéhi could serve as a wake-up call. Competition is part of playing at a big club, and Spurs clearly want to raise their defensive level.
For Thomas Frank, bringing in a proven Premier League centre-back who is entering his prime could be the key to tightening up a back line that has cost the team valuable points.
If the move happens, Tottenham would not just be adding depth. They would be bringing in a player who, on current form, looks stronger, more reliable, and more complete than what they already have. Whether that pushes Van de Ven to improve or sees Guéhi take his place, Spurs would be stronger for it either way.
