Steven Gerrard amazed by 'incredible' Tottenham star who's not to blame for loss vs Aston Villa
Micky van de Ven came away with credit despite Tottenham's 3-2 loss to Aston Villa.
The Dutchman retained his place in the side from the 0-0 draw with Everton last time out.
He has proven to be a reliable option for Roberto De Zerbi at the back, alongside compatriot Jan Paul van Hecke.
Van de Ven was a standout performer, even though his team were on the wrong end of the result at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
One moment in particular means that the 24-cap international should be absolved of any blame.
Johan Manzambi put the Villans ahead on his first Premier League start, before Nicolas Jackson and Emi Buendia made it a horrible afternoon, despite Conor Gallagher and Van Hecke's late goals.
What was said about Micky van de Ven's latest Tottenham display?
Steven Gerrard was blown away by what the Dutchman did in the contest, to deny Tyrone Mings from scoring before the opening goal.
The 25-year-old put himself into harms way and took a hit to the head to stop the Villans from going ahead, but that ultimately left the Lilywhites vulnerable.
Speaking live on TNT Sports, the former Liverpool captain said: “Incredible defending, wow.
“Tyrone Mings really aggressive going to attack it, incredible goal saving header from van de Ven.”
He was not to blame for the goal that his side conceded, as he was not even on the pitch after his heroic block previously.
How did Van de Ven perform vs Aston Villa?
Van de Ven put in a very solid display, on both sides of the ball, despite the scoreline.
He completed 92 per cent of his passes, and made eight into the final third as he tried to make something happen for his teammates going forward.
The Dutch defender made six defensive contributions, with one tackle, two blocks and three clearances.
In terms of duels, he won for of six that he attempted on the ground and both that he contested in the air, for 67 and 100 per cent success rates in those areas.
He proved that he is someone who De Zerbi can rely on going forward, and the fact that the goal came when he was off the pitch is no surprise.
He is willing to put his body on the line for the cause, and that is something that will please the Italian manager, after another miserable afternoon this season.