Micky van de Ven pitied after what Alexander Isak kept doing to Tottenham star
Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven’s inexperience was “exposed” in Spurs’ heavy Premier League defeat to Newcastle, according to Alan Hutton.
Ange Postecoglou’s side suffered a major blow to their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League this season as they were beaten 4-0 at St James’ Park, with goals from Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and Fabian Schar the difference.
While none of Spurs’ backline were at their best, pundits and supporters were quick to slam Van de Ven for his first-half display, as he was twice left in a heap on the floor as the home side ran away with all three points.
While Hutton admits he did “feel sorry” for the 22-year-old, he believes the rest of Spurs’ defence could have done more to help and was left questioning why Postecoglou left Van de Ven alone at the back.
“I don’t think so, he’s had his problems with his hamstring injuries,” Hutton told Tottenham News.
“I think it’s because they rely on his pace so much. We’ve been waxing lyrical about him for weeks about how good he is and how quick he is. Defensively, you will have games like this and this is why I felt sorry for him because he got left exposed.
“If you look at some of the goals, yes it was a long ball, but he’s one against one and you might say that’s his inexperience. Maybe he should be pulling Romero in and getting the fullbacks back, but maybe that’s not what Ange wants.
“Only he will know that, maybe he’s quite happy to leave him in that situation. As a defender, you need to realise who you’re up against. I know Van de Ven is quick, but Isak is really quick and skilful. If he gets in behind you, you’re not making up that distance, but it kept on happening time after time.
“If that was me, I’d be saying you come in here and help me, let’s go two against one. It just didn’t seem to happen and he was getting exposed time after time so I feel sorry for him.
“But he will improve, he’ll get better and he’ll be one of Tottenham’s main defenders moving forward.”
Will Micky van de Ven start for Tottenham and Ange Postecoglou against Arsenal?
For the most part, Van de Ven has been one of Spurs’ standout players this season and one bad game in the Premier League won’t change that. It was only a week ago pundits and supporters were comparing the 22-year-old with Virgil van Dijk.
Unlike Cristian Romero, the Dutchman is inexperienced and still adapting to the Premier League. He isn’t going to be perfect week in and week out but that doesn’t mean Postecoglou should bomb him out of the side.
Hopefully, the 22-year-old will be back to his best by the time the North London derby rolls around as Postecoglou will need him to be at his best to claim all three points against Mikel Arteta’s side.
In other Tottenham news, Son Heung-min will be “unhappy” with Postecoglou after an incident against Newcastle United
For more Tottenham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.