Tottenham’s Micky Van De Ven hasn’t been a constant fixture in Ronald Koeman’s EUROs teams, often featuring off the bench, but the Dutchman appears to be relishing a chance to play Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka.
Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka was deployed as a right wing-back in England’s quarter-final tie against Switzerland where the 22-year-old curled an astonishing long-range effort past Yann Sommer in the Swiss net to take the game into extra-time and eventual penalties.
Saka also converted his spot kick in the shootout, addressing the demons from his missed penalty in the EURO 2020 final against Italy, as England progressed to the semi-finals where they will now clash with Micky Van De Ven’s Netherlands.
Van De Ven has become an almost routine substitution off of the bench for the Netherlands, being introduced in all of the team’s last three games at the seventieth minute, leaving many fans bewildered as to why the ex-Wolfsburg defender doesn’t start.
When questioned about his cameo role within the team, Van De Ven stated: “As a substitute you can be a permanent asset.”
He went on to remind people he is well aware of his opponent being a North London rival as he explained: “I know Saka from Arsenal. It is up to the national coach whether I start.” (Algemeen Dagblad).
Due to Koeman’s centre-back partnership of Stefan De Vrij and Virgil Van Dijk seemingly being immovable, Van De Ven is often played at left-back when he features, a position he’s fulfilled a few times with Spurs and Wolfsburg. The position could shape him up to face against Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka.
Van De Ven was clearly confident about at least one aspect of the battle jokingly answering one question with: “Who’s faster? Saka or me? If you look at the data, you already know the answer”. The Dutchman is right, the Tottenham defender’s blistering pace is no secret.
The 23-year-old was clocked at a ridiculous 37.38 km/h whilst playing for Spurs last season which meant he was the fastest player in the Premier League ever on record (Premier League).
Saka is no slouch by any means, but with his top speed being 36.36 km/h, Mickey has good reason to be confident about if the pair had a foot race. (Arsenal)
Spurs Web Opinion
International football offers some of the strangest scenarios for a football fan. As an England fan, I am desperate to see my nation reach the finals of the EURO’s and for that to transpire, I may have to hope that Saka gets the better of Van De Ven on Wednesday if the Tottenham defender does start.
However, the statistics like Van De Ven stated, are undeniable, and having the pleasure of watching the Dutchman play live inside the Spurs ground I can confirm that his running speed is scarily quick and I would not be fancying my chances in a race if I were Saka.
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