How Micky Van de Ven fared in big opportunity at centre-back for Netherlands
There were varying fortunes for two of Tottenham’s defenders on Monday night as Ben Davies led Wales to a win while Micky van de Ven struggled in Netherlands’s 1-0 loss.
Wales and Netherlands fighting to qualify
It was a good night for Ben Davies, who captained Wales to a 1-0 win against Montenegro at the Cardiff City Stadium.
The result saw the Dragons firm up their grip on second spot in their group as they moved four points clear of Iceland in third place.
However, Van de Ven tasted defeat on Monday as the Netherlands fell to a 1-0 loss to Germany in Munich, with the result leaving the Dutch in a precarious position with just five points after four matches.
Davies’ performance
Davies started as a conventional left-back in a back four and he helped his side keep a clean sheet. Wales emerged with a win thanks to a 36th-minute penalty from Harry Wilson.
However, it turns out that the Tottenham man did have some nervy moments at the back, especially in the second half.
Wales online gave him a rating of six out of 10 and wrote: “A few hairy moments where he gave the ball away but on the whole a reassuring presence, as ever, at the back. Andrija Radulovic caused him one or two issues after coming on.”
Night to forget for Van de Ven
Van de Ven was given a rare opportunity to play as a centre-back for the Oranje due to Virgil van Dijk’s suspension but the Tottenham man did not cover himself in glory.
The 23-year-old looked nervy and was culpable for the game’s only goal, which was scored by Jamie Leweling on his international debut.
GiveMeSport gave the Tottenham man a rating of four out of 10 and wrote: “A very uncharacteristic performance by the Spurs defender, who has so often been one of the standouts in the Premier League this season.
“But it was his lack of awareness that almost saw his side concede had Gnabry not been ruled offside, with his attempted clearance from a corner in the second half falling right to Leweling, who got his dream debut goal.”
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