Micky van de Ven has admitted that the Premier League is a completely different ball game compared to the Bundesliga, remarking that you cannot let your guard down for even a second in the English top flight.
There was some excitement among Spurs fans about Van de Ven’s arrival, given the Lilywhites’ issues at left centre-back over recent years but it is fair to say that the Dutchman has surpassed most expectations with the start he has made to his career in North London.
The 22-year-old has looked like an experienced veteran, who has plenty of Premier League experience under his belt rather than a newcomer to the division.
When asked about his first taste of English football, Van de Ven told Viaplay (as relayed by Voetbal International): “The pace is insane. You don’t have moments when you can’t pay attention, you have to be sharp every second. If you are not, then you can just be beaten.”
In an interview with talkSPORT a couple of days ago, Van de Ven spoke about how his conversation with Postecoglou was crucial in his decision to come to Tottenham this summer, and the former Wolfsburg man has now spoken about the specific demands that the Australian has of his centre-backs.
When asked about working with Postecoglou, he said: “A very calm man, very clear in what we have to do. I think that’s the most important thing. He doesn’t want to be very on top of everything, you have that too.
“He expects from his central defenders that we are very high and that we continue to play football. Even if you win the ball in your own box, even then he wants you to build up.”
Apart from a new head coach, Tottenham also have a new captain in Son Heung-min, and Van de Ven admitted that the South Korean is completely different both on and off the pitch.
When asked about the 31-year-old forward, he responded: “He knows what he’s talking about, he has status and experience. When he says something, people listen. He’s a sweet boy off the field, but when there’s a ball involved, things change.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Van de Ven appears to be a very nice foil for Cristian Romero as the Dutchman is very composed and has the pace to sweep up behind the Argentine, who goes full throttle into duals. While it is still early days, it has the makings of an excellent centre-back partnership.
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