Micky van de Ven has been one of the standout players for Tottenham this season.
Tottenham have struggled to pick up positive results in domestic competitions this season under Thomas Frank’s guidance. Much of the squad has underperformed during the first half of the campaign, largely due to difficulties in fully adapting to the Danish tactician’s system. However, one player who has clearly benefited from Frank’s pragmatic approach is Micky van de Ven. The commanding defender has played a key role in leading the backline and has set a strong example within the dressing room.
The Dutchman has made a significant impact at both ends of the pitch. He is currently the club’s second-highest scorer in all competitions this season, with six goals to his name in the first half of the campaign. Defensively, the 24-year-old has also helped the North Londoners register 11 clean sheets across all competitions, thanks to his ability to tighten the backline and shut down tricky opponents.
Micky van de Ven is linked with an exit from Tottenham.
Micky van de Ven is linked with an exit from Tottenham.
Van de Ven has enjoyed a stellar campaign for Spurs this time around. His stunning goal in the Champions League against Copenhagen will live long in the memory of supporters. The Dutchman ran the length of the pitch before calmly slotting the ball past the goalkeeper from close range. As a result, it comes as no surprise that the 24-year-old possesses the quality to step up when his team needs him most.
Micky van de Ven tipped to part ways with Tottenham if the right opportunity arises
Micky van de Ven’s impressive form has been one of the major talking points of the season. He has established himself as one of the standout defenders in the Premier League, displaying maturity and leadership while marshalling the Lilywhites’ defence. It is therefore unsurprising that the 24-year-old has been linked with a big move in the coming months, given his consistent performances for the North Londoners.
The prolific defender has been linked with a move to Real Madrid as they look to strengthen their defence ahead of next season. With David Alaba nearing the end of his contract and Eder Militao struggling to maintain fitness, Los Blancos are keen to sign a player who could immediately slot into the starting eleven under a new manager. Van de Ven has now been identified as a potential solution to their defensive concerns as they aim to turn things around at the Bernabeu.
George Sessions has also tipped the £90,000-a-week star to make the switch to Real Madrid if Spurs fail to improve during the second half of the campaign. Speaking on the Market Madness podcast (via Give Me Sport), Sessions said,
“Micky van de Ven, absolutely. If Tottenham finish 11th and he has a brilliant World Cup, every man and his dog will be after him. He’s a Real Madrid player, absolutely. But he will obviously cost a lot of money, and I don’t think Tottenham will want to sell him.”
The journalist added,
“But if they’re not in the Champions League next season, they’re not in any type of Europe, and maybe there’s a kind of struggle to see what the real short‑term ambitions are… then yeah, it wouldn’t surprise me if there are plenty of clubs circling him, and he’s got a decision to weigh up.”
Tottenham must keep hold of Micky van de Ven
Tottenham must get their act together if they are to retain their best players next summer. The Lilywhites cannot afford another bottom-half finish in the Premier League, especially with European qualification at stake. Failing to compete in Europe could also increase the risk of losing Micky van de Ven, with the Dutchman heavily linked to a move to Real Madrid in recent weeks.
Given how impressive the 24-year-old has been this season, it is no surprise that Spurs are keen to extend his stay at N17. However, the defender’s decision is likely to depend on how the club performs in the coming months. He will want reassurance that Tottenham are moving in the right direction and have clear short-term and long-term ambitions.
Will Van de Ven still be wearing the Lilywhites jersey next season, or is he set to make the move to Spain and compete for major honours? Only time will tell.