Liverpool are ready to pounce on Tottenham man currently starring at the World Cup.
Jan Paul van Hecke has become Tottenham Hotspur’s latest summer signing, with the Dutchman joining Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi to become a part of the rebuild under Roberto De Zerbi. They are all defensive signings, which demonstrates the thinking and vision of De Zerbi and the club bosses in the early weeks of the summer.
Spurs are aware that some of the defenders from last season are planning to leave the club this summer. Cristian Romero and Radu Dragusin are among those, with the duo having been heavily linked with an exit for months.
There has been speculation surrounding Micky van de Ven’s future at Tottenham as well. The Dutchman endured a mixed last season, but managed to finish it strongly by helping the Spurs preserve their top-flight status. In Romero’s injury absence, he wore the captain’s armband and led the team well during the club’s most nervy and difficult phase of the season.
Liverpool keen to pounce on Micky van de Ven
According to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Liverpool are ‘aggressively knocking on the door’ for Micky van de Ven, their most valuable player, but face competition from Barcelona. They are monitoring the central defender’s situation at Tottenham closely as they plan to strengthen their defensive unit under new boss Andoni Iraola.
The Reds have lost Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer to Real Madrid, while Virgil van Dijk is set to turn 35 in July. While Van Dijk has been consistent throughout the years, it is worth noting that he is past his prime and starting to slow down. Liverpool definitely needs a new leader at the back to succeed the Dutch star, and the club bosses have identified Van de Ven as that guy.
The Tottenham man’s technical ability, game-reading and fantastic recovery speed have made him one of the most sought-after centre-backs in the Premier League. For Liverpool, the 25-year-old would complement Van Dijk in central defence before succeeding his compatriot as their leader of the backline.
Tottenham unlikely to part ways with Van de Ven
De Zerbi considers Van de Ven an indispensable figure in his squad, regardless of the additions of Senesi and Van Hecke earlier this month. The Netherlands international played a key role behind the scenes in convincing his compatriot Van Hecke to become a part of Tottenham, thereby demonstrating his value off the pitch.
On the pitch, the Wormer-born talent has been a reliable performer and leader, and it would not surprise anyone if De Zerbi chooses him as the club’s next captain. Last week, the reliable Telegraph journalist Matt Law revealed that Van de Ven is unlikely to leave Spurs after their survival, as well as his bonding with De Zerbi.
This should be enough motivation for Tottenham to reject any potential advances from Liverpool for the Dutch star.