An ever-present and transformative force in Tottenham Hotspur's backline, Mickey Van de Ven is currently enjoying a spectacular run of form, with former England winger Chris Waddle suggesting a change in his management could be the key to his newfound durability.
The Fitness Factor Behind Van de Ven's Success
The Dutch centre-back, 24, endured a frustrating previous campaign plagued by four separate injury issues that sidelined him for a total of over 30 games. This season, however, tells a completely different story. Van de Ven has remained entirely injury-free, allowing him to become a stand-out performer under manager Thomas Frank.
His impact has been significant, making 16 appearances across all competitions and finding the net an impressive six times. This goal-scoring burst is a stark contrast to his first 51 games for the club, where he managed just three goals.
Speaking to London World, Chris Waddle pinpointed fitness as the single most critical element for the defender. "The most important thing for now is that he stays fit," Waddle stated. "He's very quick, he's a danger at set pieces, and he defends well. He's improving and he's staying injury-free right now, touch wood."
Waddle elaborated that the player's past vulnerability to hamstring problems, a common issue for exceptionally quick players, now seems to be behind him. He theorised that a different training regime under the new manager might be paying dividends. "Perhaps he's being looked after better this season," Waddle concluded, hinting that a less high-pressure approach could be suiting the defender perfectly.
A Messi-Esque Moment That Shook the Champions League
Van de Ven's quality was never more evident than during a recent UEFA Champions League match against Copenhagen. In a moment of individual brilliance, the defender picked up the ball on the edge of his own penalty area and embarked on a 90-metre solo run, evading multiple challenges before smashing the ball into the net.
The astonishing goal drew comparisons to one of football's all-time greats. Manager Thomas Frank was left in awe, remarking, "It was like Lionel Messi transformed into a centre-back, the way Micky ran through everyone. Fantastic goal."
The plaudits didn't stop there. Former England and Premier League winner Joe Hart hailed the strike as a world-class effort. "Wow, wow, wow. This is one of the best displays I've seen from a centre-half," Hart said. "That goal from Micky van de Ven, you'll see that over and over again."
Securing Tottenham's Defensive Future
With Van de Ven demonstrating such immense value, attention is turning to his long-term future at the club. Although he signed a six-year deal upon his arrival in 2023, meaning he still has over three years remaining, Tottenham are already considering a new contract for the defender.
This proactive move is reportedly driven by interest from other clubs. According to Sky Sports, a number of clubs in England and Europe are monitoring his situation, prompting Spurs to act swiftly. At just 24 years old, Van de Ven is viewed as a cornerstone for the team's future, and securing his services with improved terms is now a key priority for the North London club.
