Thierry Henry has sung the praises of an outstanding Tottenham Hotspur defender amidst a lot of debate comparing him to his Arsenal counterparts.
With the North London derby fast approaching, the build-up is now in full swing, with fans and former players already stoking the fire ahead of the fixture.
Former Tottenham midfielder Sandro suggested a few years ago that Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are the best centre-back pairing in the Premier League.
Needless to say, those comments have not gone down well with Arsenal fans, given that the Gunners boast of William Saliba and Gabriel in their squad.
Thierry Henry rates Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven highly
The good news for Spurs is that Arsenal will be without one half of their world-class centre-back pairing, with Gabriel ruled out of the North London derby due to injury.
Henry has now suggested that Micky van de Ven belongs in the same level as the likes of Virgil Van Dijk and the Arsenal centre-back duo, but insisted that the Dutchman’s primary role is to defend rather than produce his trademark burst forward.
When asked how Van de Ven compares with Arsenal’s two main centre-backs and about the Spurs star’s goal against Copenhagen, Henry told BetWay: “Well, it says that he can score a goal like that. Not to downplay it, and of course I also saw his assist against Man Utd last season, but I just think the most important thing is that the team defends well. It’s not just about two centre-backs.
“When a team attacks well, it’s also because the guys at the back are proactive, beating the line of pressure and making it easier for the striker.
When a team defends well, it’s because the whole team is defending well, not just your two centre-backs. Trust me, if your team is not shielding on the counter and winning the second ball, you’re exposed. I don’t care who you are.
“But going back to individuals, yes, Van de Ven is outstanding, Van Dijk is outstanding, Gabriel and Saliba are outstanding. They’re strong, difficult to beat, and like everybody, they have their flaws, but that’s normal.”
Henry is confident Arsenal will be ready for Spurs challenge
The Arsenal legend admitted that while it was never easy playing immediately after an international break, he pointed out that both sides are dealing with the same issue.
Henry expects an intense game at the Emirates and believes Arteta’s men will be up for the challenge.
The 48-year-old added: “I never used to like to come back and have a tough game after international duty. Thankfully, Arsenal are playing a team who also have a lot of international players. Sometimes you play a team who stayed for the whole 10 days and they’re waiting for you. It’s a north London derby, so the intensity will be there. And you’re playing against a team who hasn’t lost away from home.
“Against Sunderland, Arsenal encountered something that they usually do to teams. They played the long ball, and it reminded me of my time in the Premier League, where you couldn’t put pressure on any team. Any free kick, throw-in, or goal kick was in your box, and suddenly you have to win those balls, and they didn’t when Ballard and Brobbey challenged them. So we will see what’s going to happen against Tottenham.
“I’m sure that the team is going to be ready. You don’t need anyone to tell you what to do in these games. You know what time it is. You need to wake up. If you don’t know that, that means you don’t understand who you’re playing for.”
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