One Tottenham Hotspur star has taken his impressive form in the final weeks of the season into international football as he prepares for his first taste of the World Cup.
Nine Tottenham players had been named in the World Cup squad for their respective nations, and that number has now gone up, with Scotland’s Andy Robertson completing a switch to Spurs a few days ago.
Many of the Lilywhites stars are set to have key roles for their respective teams, with Spurs captain Cristian Romero preparing to defend the World Cup title with Argentina.
However, his centre-back partner at Tottenham is the one hitting the headlines with his form in the build-up to the showpiece event.
Dutch media in awe of Tottenham star Micky van de Ven
Micky van de Ven ended the season very strongly for Tottenham, stepping up to fill the leadership void left by Romero’s injury absence, and the 25-year-old is expected to be a starter for the Netherlands at the World Cup.
The Spurs centre-back started at left-back, his customary role for his country, against Algeria last week as Ronald Koeman’s side fell to a 1-0 loss.
Van de Ven played just the first-half, but the former Wolfsburg man left the Dutch media particularly impressed with a goal-saving challenge on 28 minutes.
Voetbalprimeur wrote about the Tottenham man’s display against Algeria (as relayed by Football Insider): “In the 28th minute, he prevented an Algerian goal with an excellent sliding tackle. Van de Ven also made his mark on the attack with his runs forward.”
Voetbalflitsen (via Football Insider) handed Van de Ven a 6.5 rating and said: “His rating is largely down to a single moment. The way he thwarted Amoura’s Algerian chance with an incredible sliding tackle was top-notch.
“He also looked physically dominant and strong in defence throughout. A solid first half, capped off by a play that was practically a goal-saving intervention.”
Van de Ven has been speaking to Spurs target regarding a move to N17
According to reports, Van de Ven has decided to stay at Tottenham after being won over by Roberto De Zerbi over the last two months.
Additionally, the centre-back has also been in the ear of his international teammate, whom De Zerbi is looking to reunite with at Spurs.
Van de Ven has admitted that he has spoken to Jan Paul Van Hecke regarding a switch to Tottenham, adding that a move to N17 would be a ‘good step’ for the Brighton man.