How Micky van de Ven solves Tottenham tactical problem as 'positive' contract talks progress
Micky van de Ven has become an integral part of Tottenham Hotspur's fabric.
The Dutch defender has emerged as a fan favourite over the last few years and Roberto De Zerbi will undoubtedly turn to him just as those before him have.
The Italian manager is famed for his tactic where the central defenders bait the press, before his side spring the ball forward and create artificial transitions.
It places a huge demand on his centre-backs and it is no surprise that Spurs targeted both Marcos Senesi and Jan-Paul van Hecke.
Few Premier League centre-backs are suited to the style De Zerbi typically instills.
And that looks to be clear with the latest on Van de Ven's future.
What is the feeling on Micky van de Ven's new Tottenham contract?
Van de Ven certainly deserves to be rewarded based on his performances for Tottenham, and Spurs also deserve certainty over him.
According to talkSPORT journalist Ben Jacobs, Tottenham are now in contract talks with van de Ven.
The discussions are said to be positive as both sides look to reach an agreement on new terms.
The Dutchman's current deal does still have three years left on it, with that set to expire in 2029.
So the new deal, will likely extend his stay even further, while also providing some boosted financial incentives for the centre-back.
Why Roberto De Zerbi will insist on van de Ven contract
As stated before, De Zerbi wants his centre-backs to be calm, composed and able to spring passes out from the back.
Last season, the 25-year-old, was excellent in doing so. And even despite Spurs' heavy transfer business, Van de Ven has remained a winner of this summer.
Among Premier League defenders, as per Data.MB, Van de Ven ranked in fourth place for least number of misplaced passes per 90 with 3.55.
Additionally, in terms of getting the ball up the pitch, the Tottenham defender is highly capable there too.
His forward pass completion rate came in at 81.8 per cent. Which did put him in the upper echelons of that category.
Furthermore, van de Ven also provides De Zerbi with another route to success, as seen plentiful times in the Tottenham shirt.
When it comes to dribbles attempted per 100 touches, Van de Ven ranks in third place among last season's Premier League centre-backs with 1.86.
It is clear why a new deal is a priority for Tottenham as he is already a solution to what De Zerbi needs.