Garth Crooks has pointed out a moment of sheer audacity from Micky van de Ven during Tottenham Hotspur’s win over Crystal Palace on the weekend.
Three points on the weekend were huge for Ange Postecoglou’s side with Aston Villa keeping pace in the top four race.
Defender Micky van de Ven came out of the game with shining praise from many, including the BBC pundit.
Micky van de Ven impresses
Tottenham hit the jackpot when they signed the Dutch defender over the summer with the 22-year-old a regular under Postecoglou.
He played alongside his centre-back partner Cristian Romero on the weekend with the Argentine getting on the scoresheet.
But it was Van de Ven who made Crooks’ Team of the Week, with the former Spurs man noting a brilliant piece of skill which may have gone unnoticed.
He said: ‘Cristian Romero may have got the goal in open play that sent Tottenham on their way to victory against Crystal Palace but it was Micky van de Ven who provided a moment of sheer audacity.
‘Very occasionally you see a defender who is so comfortable on the ball he can play almost anywhere on the pitch. Van de Ven is one of those players. I’m not one for defenders taking unnecessary risks, especially when you’re the last man in defence and outnumbered by the opposition, but the way Van de Ven drew in Matheus Franca in the 88th minute, dropped his shoulder, and went past the Crystal Palace forward as if he wasn’t there was stunningly brilliant. What was odd was that no-one seemed to mention it. The only other defender I’ve seen perform this skill with such ease was Dutch compatriot and Ajax legend Ruud Krol. Now he was a player.’
Is Van de Ven injured
The Dutchman has been a huge influence on the Spurs side since signing in the summer and was a huge miss when he was sidelined through injury.
So it was a massive concern when he went down on the weekend with an injury scare.
He had a coming together with the Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta and was seen clutching his ankle after.
However, he did manage to continue and was able to play the remainder of the game.
Waiting in the wings is the January signing, Radu Dragusin. He is yet to start a single game since landing at Hotspur Way.
Although no Spurs fans will want to see any more injuries, there has to be some comfort in knowing Postecoglou now has quality depth at centre-back.
And The Spurs News have been told the club are looking to add even more options in defence over the summer.
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