Postecoglou reveals why he has been wary of playing Van de Ven at left-back

Ange Postecoglou is getting rather experimental with his team selections at the minute, with injuries forcing him to try new players at left-back. Today, Micky van de Ven took on that role in the second half against Burnley, but Postecoglou insists he is wary of the impact playing in that position could have on the Dutchman.

With Destiny Udogie, Ben Davies, and Ryan Sessegnon all out for the rest of the season, Postecoglou tried Emerson Royal out at left-back in the last two games, with very little success.

Against Liverpool last weekend, Oliver Skipp was put into the left-back role, and fared pretty well. So much so, that the young midfielder was given the nod to start there against Burnley today.

With the score at 1-1, Skipp made way for Radu Dragusin with 15 minutes of regulation time to go, and Micky van de Ven slotted in at left-back.

It was a highly successful move, too, with the defender turning up on the edge of the box late on and showing great composure to apply a fine finish and win the game for Spurs.

Postecoglou being careful with Van de Ven

Postecoglou explained that switch in his post-match press conference (via Football.London), and why it might not be a long-term solution.

He said: “I’ve been mindful of Micky. He’s had a couple of injuries and I’ve got to be careful with him when it comes to the demands of playing left-back in our system. I’ve got to think about the future and the physical demands are different at left-back.

“I thought today, Skippy was never going to play 60 minutes because he hasn’t played in ages so it made sense for the final half an hour or so.”

Spurs Web Opinion

We don’t want to be playing Micky at left-back too much, but he really feels like the smartest alternative at this stage. He’s quick, comfortable with the ball, likes to get forward, and can easily track back. Plus, it gives Dragusin the chance to play more, too, which is a bonus.