Former Tottenham defender Alan Hutton believes Spurs must do everything possible to keep Micky van de Ven this summer if they want any chance of rebuilding into a genuine “Big Six” side again.
Tottenham secured Premier League survival on the final day of the season, but after back-to-back 17th-place finishes, major changes are expected in north London ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Roberto De Zerbi managed to steady the club after difficult spells under Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor, guiding Spurs away from relegation danger, but the Italian now faces a huge rebuilding job this summer.
With several players linked with exits, Van de Ven has emerged as one of Tottenham’s most important figures moving forward. The Dutch centre-back has reportedly attracted interest from Liverpool, but Hutton insists Spurs cannot afford to lose him.
Speaking to GOAL, the former Spurs full-back described Van de Ven as the key player Tottenham must build around.
“That’s one guy they have to keep,” Hutton said.
“If Spurs want to improve next season, he’s the captain in waiting. I think Cristian Romero will probably leave, so they need players like Van de Ven to build the team around.”
Hutton also warned that replacing the 25-year-old would be extremely difficult, especially given the defender’s all-round qualities.
“He ticks every box. His strength, pace, running power and technical ability are outstanding. He should be playing for a Champions League club in my opinion.”
The former defender admitted Tottenham are no longer deserving of being labelled part of the Premier League’s “Big Six” after years of underachievement on the pitch despite strong financial growth off it.
“I don’t think they are a Big Six team right now,” Hutton added.
“You have to consistently compete near the top of the table, and Tottenham haven’t done that. The business side has been run well, but that hasn’t translated onto the pitch.”
Spurs narrowly avoided relegation after defeating Everton on the final day, finishing just above West Ham in the table. While De Zerbi has restored some optimism around the club, the Italian now faces the challenge of reshaping the squad and closing the growing gap between Tottenham and the Premier League’s elite.
Keeping players like Van de Ven could prove crucial if Spurs are to move forward again after one of the darkest periods in the club’s modern history.
