Former Tottenham midfielder Sandro has given his thoughts on the Lilywhites’ pursuit of Jan Paul Van Hecke, and has discussed Micky van de Ven’s future at Spurs.
It appears that Spurs are starting their rebuild from the back, with Cristian Romero expected to leave N17 and reports indicating that Radu Dragusin could also be on his way out.
Tottenham are expected to soon announce the arrivals of Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, with the duo set to add plenty of experience to the club’s defensive line.
Additionally, Spurs are in talks with Brighton over a deal for Van Hecke, who has just a year left to run on his contract at the Amex Stadium.
Sandro insists Jan Paul van Hecke is ready to make an impact at Tottenham
Sources indicate that Van Hecke is keen on reuniting with De Zerbi at Tottenham, and Sandro has confessed that he would be over the moon with the 25-year-old’s signing.
The Tottenham fan favourite opined that the Brighton defender’s experience, his aggression and ability on the ball make him a perfect fit for the Lilywhites.
Speaking to Reach PLC (via The Mirror), Sandro said: “I really like Van Hecke. I really like him. He’s good on the ball, he played with De Zerbi before too. He’s not only good on the ball, but he can be very aggressive and in a way that he’s not stupid, he’s not doing crazy things without the ball, but I think he’s mature.
“For me, Van Hecke is ready. He’s ready to play because he played under De Zerbi and he showed that he can play in the moment, that he’s mature, and we need players that are already mature. I think we are now going to the market and have to buy players that are ready.”
Sandro claims Micky van de Ven can match Arsenal star
Van de Ven has reportedly decided to stay at Tottenham, with the former Wolfsburg man said to be loving life under De Zerbi at Hotspur Way.
Sandro believes that the Spurs vice-captain is as good as Arsenal star Gabriel, and backed him to fulfil his potential under De Zerbi.
When asked if he expects the Netherlands international to stay, the 37-year-old responded: “100 per cent, he needs to stay. He needs to stay, Van de Ven needs to stay, he needs to be the captain for next season.
“I think De Zerbi will build a strong squad and it will help Micky as well. He’s so important for Tottenham and he’s been there for three seasons and it’s important for him to stay, I think.
“If we let him go, it will be losing Romero and him, so I hope he is at least there for three or four seasons. We need to keep him, I think he’s happy now with De Zerbi because De Zerbi can put a smile on the players’ faces and it’s so needed.
“Van de Ven needs to stay and I hope he does stay and build the team around him at the back and then around the midfielders. I think we are okay in the middle.
“Gabriel suits the Arsenal squad so well, and we need Van de Ven to become that same defender at Spurs. Micky is one of the top defenders, he just needs to have a team around him as well for him to grow, for him to shine. I just want De Zerbi to do his magical things, I’m a fan of his and I think he will.
“Van de Ven has that ability to become that good. Yeah, 100 per cent. He’s been there in the club for three seasons so he just needs the players, the squad to help him a little bit and, having a strong team around him, he will be even more effective in the squad. De Zerbi is the guy to build the team and he needs to build around Van de Ven.”
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