Former Tottenham Hotspur star Jamie O'Hara has issued a stark warning to his old club, suggesting that defensive sensation Micky van de Ven could already be on Real Madrid's radar following his spectacular debut season in North London.
The 22-year-old Dutch centre-back, who arrived from Bundesliga side Wolfsburg last summer for approximately £43 million, has been nothing short of transformative for Ange Postecoglou's side. His blistering pace and composed defending have made him an instant fan favourite and one of the signings of the season.
'The Best in the Premier League'
O'Hara didn't hold back in his praise for the defender during an appearance on talkSPORT. "I think he's been the best centre-half in the Premier League this season, I really do," the pundit declared. "For a debut season, to come in and have that impact... his pace is just ridiculous."
This explosive speed has become Van de Ven's trademark, often bailing out Tottenham's high defensive line and neutralising opposition attacks that seemed certain to result in goals.
The Real Madrid Threat Looms Large
O'Hara's admiration quickly turned to concern as he contemplated the attention such performances must be attracting. "If I'm Real Madrid and I'm looking at centre-halves, I'm looking at him," he warned. "He's young, he's quick, he's good on the ball. He fits the bill for what Real Madrid want."
The former midfielder urged Tottenham to act decisively to ward off potential suitors. "Tottenham need to get him on a new contract, as quick as possible," O'Hara insisted, highlighting the urgency of securing the defender's long-term future.
A Crucial Piece of Postecoglou's Puzzle
Van de Ven's importance to Tottenham's system cannot be overstated. His unique physical attributes allow Postecoglou to implement his aggressive, attacking philosophy with confidence, knowing the defence has the recovery pace to handle counter-attacks.
Losing such a pivotal player so soon after his arrival would represent a massive blow to the Australian manager's rebuilding project. While Van de Ven remains under contract until 2029, O'Hara's comments highlight the modern reality where top performances for Premier League clubs inevitably attract attention from European giants.
For now, Tottenham fans will hope their defensive stalwart remains committed to the project in N17, but O'Hara's warning serves as both a compliment to Van de Ven's impact and a sobering reminder of football's food chain.
