Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven had what was one of his best outings for the Netherlands to date as they thrashed Malta in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.
While the Tottenham Hotspur defender has made a fabulous impression since his move to North London two years ago, the big question mark about him has been to do with his fitness.
The Dutchman has suffered significant hamstring injuries in both of his seasons at Spurs, with Ange Postecoglou deciding to use him just in the Europa League in the final months of the campaign.
That decision proved to be the right one as the 24-year-old played a key hand in Tottenham’s win in Bilbao, with his goalline clearance ensuring that the Lilywhites saw off Man United and secured the trophy.
Micky van de Ven produces statement Netherlands performance
While the former Wolfsburg man is considered one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League when fit, he has been primarily used as a left-back by Ronald Koeman for the Oranje.
He started again at left-back against Malta on Tuesday and completed 90 minutes, getting a goal and an assist.
Van de Ven had a hand in the first goal as his marauding run down the flank and cross into the box resulted in Memphis Depay being brought down, with the former Man United man converting from the spot to put his side 1-0 up.
The Tottenham man then set up Donyell Malen for his side’s fifth goal on 74 minutes, with the defender picking out the Aston Villa man with a perfect low cross, which was slotted into the back of the net.
Van de Ven then got in on the act himself in stoppage time, striking a fierce volley into the far corner after the ball fell kindly to him in the box.
We could see more of Micky’s attacking attributes under Thomas Frank at Tottenham
Even when he has been playing as a centre-back in a back four at Tottenham, we have seen glimpses of what Van de Ven can offer in attack.
His brilliant runs to set up Heung-min Son’s goal against Everton and Brennan Johnson’s goal against Man United are evidence of how unstoppable the Dutchman can be when he turns on the afterburners.
With Thomas Frank being no stranger to using a back three, we could see more of Van de Ven’s attacking flair on display if he plays as a left-sided centre-back.
That formation may allow him more freedom to make those runs with the ball when spaces open up, knowing that two other centre-halves can cover for him.