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Dutch media react as Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven scores and assists in unusual role for the Netherlands
Micky van de Ven scored his first for the Dutch national team as they thrashed Malta 8-0 in World Cup qualifying.
The Tottenham Hotspur defender played an unusual role for Ronald Koeman’s team, but he still managed to impress for the national team.
Meanwhile, Van de Ven spoke about Postecoglou’s sacking, admitting that he was surprised by the club’s decision to move him on. Spurs are now closing in on the appointment of Thomas Frank, who has agreed personal terms with the North London club.
The Dutch media now believe that the 24-year-old is pushing for a starting spot in the team following yet another solid showing for Oranje.
Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven impresses at left-back
The Dutch media were full of praise for Micky van de Ven as he scored and assisted from left-back in the Netherlands’ comfortable victory against Malta.
The defender set up Donyell Malen after 74 minutes, before also getting on the scoresheet late on with a thumping volley from close range.
| Stat | Total |
| Minutes | 90 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Clearances | 2 |
| Duels | 5 (4) |
| Touches | 66 |
| Accurate passes | 48/49 (98%) |
The 24-year-old replaced Man City’s Nathan Ake on the left-hand side of the defence, and he staked his claim to start there more often.
handed him an 8/10 and wrote: “A very positive performance from the left-back who capped it with a wonderful volley late on. Looks more rounded and offers more in the position than Ake.”
There was also big praise from who rated his display 8/10: “Van de Ven was never really tested defensively. This allowed the Tottenham Hotspur player to create danger with his unparalleled speed.
“This was beautifully demonstrated in the 1-0, which was largely achieved by his impressive rush. One After Deep in the final phase he also scored his first and also very beautiful international goal. One thing is clear: Van de Ven is definitely knocking on the door for a starting place.”
New Spurs boss Frank might also be taking note of his performance in the left-back spot, as he showed an impressive ability to be a threat in the final third.
Micky van de Ven has no issues playing at left-back
Van de Ven admitted that he has no issue playing at left-back, and it is a position where he has played previously for his former clubs.
The Dutch international has played there on three occasions for Tottenham and 18 times across his career, perhaps it’s a role he should feature in more often.
It’s clear he has a lot more to offer than just being a central defender given his incredible athleticism and technical ability on the ball.
He told the media: “Fortunately, it is a position I have played more often. I also played left-back at Volendam and Wolfsburg, so it’s just that I know what I have to do. So it’s not something that I think, ‘Oh I have to play a whole different place now’, it’s just a familiar place to me.”