Tottenham star Micky van de Ven is on the radar of Premier League rivals Liverpool
Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven is enjoying a strong individual campaign. The Dutchman has taken his game to another level, delivering consistent performances week in, week out for the north Londoners despite their struggles in the Premier League under Thomas Frank.
It isn’t a stretch to suggest that the 24-year-old has been the team’s standout performer this season, making an impact at both ends of the pitch. Micky van de Ven has been proving this campaign that he isn’t just a solid centre-back, and there is a lot more in his locker.
He is Spurs’ second-highest scorer in all competitions this season with seven goals to his name. The rapid defender opened the scoring in Tottenham’s 2-2 draw with Burnley at Turf Moor last weekend, showing how big an asset he is in both boxes. The fans are certainly pleased with Van de Ven’s major goalscoring contributions apart from his primary job of defending.
Spurs defender Micky van de Ven is wanted by Liverpool
Spurs defender Micky van de Ven is wanted by Liverpool (Image Source: All Football)
Micky van de Ven wanted by Premier League rivals Liverpool
The Netherlands international’s eye-catching displays have surprisingly gone unnoticed. Recent reports suggest Liverpool are interested in signing the Tottenham star in the summer. It is understood that Van de Ven is resisting penning a new contract, and while his existing deal runs until the summer of 2029 (Transfermarkt), Liverpool hovering around makes things uncomfortable at White Hart Lane.
The Reds view Van de Ven as an ideal replacement for their ageing skipper Virgil van Dijk, having been impressed with his consistent displays in north London for almost two-and-a-half years. Now, reputable Spurs podcast Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham has given his verdict on Liverpool’s interest in the Tottenham man. He feels that the Lilywhites would certainly ask in excess of £100million to let Van de Ven leave in the summer.
“Van de Ven’s contracted for another three-and-a-half years, so it’s not really panic stations as of yet. Even at the end of this season, he’s still got another three years, so Tottenham are very much in control of the situation,” John Wenham exclusively told Tottenham News.
“A lot can change in football in three and a half years. I didn’t expect Cristian Romero to extend his contract this summer, and then he subsequently did.
“Defenders can go for a lot of money now. Van de Ven’s got over three years left on his deal, plus the fact that he’s a left-sided centre-back with many fantastic attributes. He’s also able to play as a left-back and has ridiculous levels of pace.”
“You might laugh at this, but I think Tottenham would value him in excess of £100 million. Whether or not anyone would be prepared to pay that is another matter, but we’re in a world where left-sided defenders naturally come at a huge premium anyway.”
Micky van de Ven opened the scoring for Tottenham vs. Burnley
Micky van de Ven opened the scoring for Tottenham vs. Burnley
Tottenham must do everything possible to keep hold of Van de Ven
Van de Ven has been one of the most consistent defenders in the Premier League in the last couple of seasons. With Spurs royally underperforming this season, the Dutch star is reportedly open to a move to Liverpool in the summer. Tottenham have no intention whatsoever to let him leave, but they cannot afford to keep an unhappy player, especially if he expresses his desire for a new challenge.
This is perhaps why Van de Ven is in no rush to sign a new contract at N17, as he wants to wisely evaluate his options before deciding on his future. He has lofty expectations and wants to compete for major honours on a regular basis, so the centre-half has every right to aim for the best in his career.
The onus is on Tottenham to show their ambition and build a squad that competes on all fronts next season. If the Hotspur Way chiefs construct a competitive squad under an astute head coach, then they will risk losing Van de Ven to a European giant, even though Thomas Frank recently tried to shut down rumours of an exit.