It was a poor evening for the Netherlands as they just about beat Uzbekistan, and the local media had mixed reviews for both Jan Paul van Hecke and Micky van de Ven.
Van Hecke looks set to join Tottenham this summer and will also play a key role alongside Van de Ven at this summer’s World Cup.
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Tottenham have agreed personal terms with Van Hecke and look set to reunite him with his former Brighton coach, Roberto De Zerbi.
But on his 26th birthday, he had a mixed evening, as the Netherlands produced a worrying display against Uzbekistan ahead of the World Cup.
Dutch media question Jan Paul van Hecke and Micky van de Ven vs Uzbekistan
The Dutch media have raised question marks over the performances of both Jan Paul van Hecke and Micky van de Ven against Uzbekistan.
Van de Ven made a mistake for Uzbekistan’s equalising goal as the Tottenham defender started the game at left-back.
De Zerbi could move Van de Ven to left-back, especially with Van Hecke and Marcos Senesi arriving at Spurs this summer.
For Van Hecke, it was seemingly a more positive evening, and the Dutch media have been kinder to the Tottenham transfer target.
- VoetbalZone rated both Van Hecke and Van de Ven 5.5/10: “Jan Paul van Hecke and Micky van de Ven were also not exactly in top form.”
- VoetbalPrimeur gave Van Hecke a 6.5/10: “Following the withdrawal of Jurrien Timber, there is absolutely no doubt left that Van Hecke will play at the World Cup. He celebrated his birthday with a sovereign performance, although he had little to fear from the Uzbeks.”
Meanwhile, Van de Ven was given 5.5/10: “A slip-up in the first minute, but Van de Ven showed improvement and dominated his direct opponent on all fronts. However, he defended on the wrong side for the late equaliser. Van de Ven could also do more offensively.” - Finally, AD also gave Van Hecke 6.5/10: “A subdued performance from Jurrien Timber’s replacement. Van Hecke held his own easily until the hectic final phase. Strong in duels with the Uzbek goalscorer Eldor Shomurodov and reliable in the build-up.”
Van de Ven was given a 6/10: “Van de Ven grew into the match and maintained a decent level for a long time. He launched Gakpo with a fine pass, won many duels, and delivered a nice cross to Summerville in the second half. However, Van de Ven can also take the blame for the late equaliser, as he allowed goalscorer Sergeev to slip through the inside.”
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Van Hecke is now set to start for the Netherlands this summer after Jurrien Timber was forced to withdraw from the squad due to injury.
The 26-year-old will have the chance to feature alongside Van de Ven ahead of potentially partnering him at Spurs next season.
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