How Tottenham can take notes as Dutch media react to Micky van de Ven's display vs Greece
Tottenham Hotspur know that Micky van de Ven is more than just a centre-back.
The defender decided to stick with Spurs this summer, despite watching his defensive partner Cristian Romero leave.
The Netherlands international has been given the armband by Roberto De Zerbi, though he has yet to drag his team out of the mud.
The Lilywhites currently sit bottom of the Premier League on two points from five games at the break.
That said, De Zerbi will be keen for his captain to return to N17 in good health and form.
Van de Ven featured again for the Netherlands on Thursday, as Dutch media react to the Tottenham man after a 2-2 draw against Greece in the Nations League.
How Micky van de Ven has been unfairly treated after 'recurring' issue
The Netherlands have had a mixed start to their Nations League campaign, drawing 1-1 with Germany before beating Serbia 2-1.
They currently sit second in Group 2 on five points and came back from two goals behind to draw with Greece.
Van de Ven earned a solid 7.0 FotMob rating despite playing at left-back, completing 96 per cent of his passes.
He completed 100 per cent of his dribbles and won all three of his ground duels.
He made 11 passes into the final third, while making five recoveries and one tackle, as no Greek player managed to dribble past him.
The Tottenham star seems to have had an okay reaction from the Dutch media after his 79-touch display, earning a 6/10 rating from Vi.nl, though one review didn't seem fair.
Sportnieuws gave him a 6/10 rating, writing: "Van de Ven made, in contrast to his previous performances under Xavi, a solid impression.
"The Tottenham player finally delivered a more convincing performance, although his natural position as a central defender still seems to suit him better."
Spurs can use this experiment moving forward, as they have clarity in knowing that van de Ven is not a left-back, despite previously playing there.
However, Voetbalprimeur gave him a harsh 5.5/10 rating and said: "Van de Ven left a big gap behind him in the first seconds, together with Quinten Timber.
"It remains a recurring story: the Spurs defender is lightning fast and can tackle beautifully, but tactically he is sometimes not on the ball."
It's unfair because he hasn't featured at left-back for Tottenham since De Zerbi's arrival.
Why Tottenham need to be asking Xavi questions
Interestingly enough, Tottenham were linked with appointing Xavi Hernandez in the second half of last season.
They then landed on De Zerbi, who has been clear about the identity he wants his team to play with in N17
Van de Ven is central to a lot of good things Tottenham do, which makes it baffling as to why Xavi is playing him at left-back.
Especially when Jurrien Timber, who normally plays as a full-back for Arsenal, is featuring at the heart of defence.
Perhaps Xavi sees van de Ven's athleticism and running power as a reason to play him as a full-back, but Tottenham should now have full clarity that it's not a position that they should play him in.