What exactly is Micky van de Ven? That’s the question they’re asking for the Netherlands at this moment in time.
Because while he may always play at centre-back for Tottenham, he’s a left-back for his nation. And that’s not convincing the Dutch journalists watching him during this international break.
A major issue
In fact, they believe that the Tottenham defender is becoming a major issue for his country, even early in Xavi’s reign as Netherlands manager.
Marciano Vink and Kenneth Perez were both watching the Tottenham man this week. And they’re less than convinced about his suitability at left-back on the international stage.
“I don’t see Van de Ven as a left-back,” Vink said on ESPN’s Voetbalpraat. Perez, agreed. “Neither do I. We really have a problem at the left-back position.”
Tottenham situation a concern
They also believe that Tottenham’s current situation could end up hurting the defender. Not only has been a part of a team that’s finished 17th in the last two seasons, but he’s also now sat at the bottom of the Premier League.
That is something that doesn’t go unnoticed. And with a new manager at the helm in Xavi, the current situation at Spurs could end up being a hindrance for Van de Ven and teammate Jan Paul van Hecke.
The latter has started both of the Netherlands’ fixtures so far alongside Virgil van Dijk. But reports today have suggested he could be set for an injury lay off.
Either way, Perez is concerned for both Spurs defenders as Xavi looks to put his stamp on the team he inherited from Ronald Koeman earlier this year.
“I think Xavi wants a bit more footballing quality in that position,” he added.
“In the back four, you’ve got two players from Tottenham Hotspur, a team sitting in twentieth place. And one of them is even the captain…”
