Pundits leap to Micky van de Ven’s defence after ‘harsh’ Arne Slot claims over Alexander Isak
Micky van de Ven has been defended by multiple pundits against criticism from Arne Slot after Tottenham were beaten by Liverpool.
Alexander Isak suffered a broken leg while scoring as Van de Ven slid in to attempt a block at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last weekend.
Liverpool won an incident-filled game 2-1 as Tottenham finished with nine men, having Xavi Simons and Cristian Romero sent off.
Since the extent of the injury became clear Anfield boss Slot has said publicly that it came as the result of a “reckless” challenge from Van de Ven which risks serious injury ten times out of ten.
Charlie Adam and Dean Saunder back Van de Ven
But discussing Slot’s comments live on talkSPORT former Scotland midfielder Charlie Adam and ex-Wales striker Dean Saunders both stood up for Tottenham‘s Van de Ven, claiming there was little else he could do in the circumstances.
Adam said: “I think it was a harsh comment in terms of it was ‘reckless’. He’s put his body on the line to stop a goal for his team.
“I don’t think he’s intended to go and try to hurt Isak. Isak is obviously there and he shoots with this left foot and he catches him.
“But I don’t see it as like he’s gone to try and hurt him, he’s defending the goal for his team. Isak’s [got off] a wonderful strike and unfortunately for him it’s gone that way and he’s tangled his leg and yeah, it’s a huge blow for the player.”
Dean Saunders then added: “Charlie, I agree with you… If you look at it from the defender’s point of view, he’s trying to block the shot. It’s a last-ditch tackle and you’ve seen defenders get up off the floor and get everyone patting them on the back for what he’s done.
“Unfortunately, Isak’s not got his leg off the floor. He’s getting his shot, but as a striker that [happens] every week, you learn somehow how to get your feet off the floor and ride that tackle while you’re still looking at the ball. In training I might not even shoot if I knew the player who was coming across who might hurt me.
“So what would you say to Van de Ven there? His other option there was to just let him shoot, so he couldn’t do that, and by accident he’s broke his leg.”
Adam agreed. “Yeah if you’re the Tottenham manager you’d be disappointed in Van de Ven if he allowed the shot.”
- Read More: Jeff Stelling predicts something to happen for first time ever in Tottenham vs Crystal Palace
Slot uses Tottenham indiscipline to shift heat off Liverpool
The result of Van de Ven’s challenge indicates it was clearly dangerous to an extent but was probably unfortunate as much as anything.
It is clearly a disaster for Slot and Liverpool, with the defending Premier League champions’ form so inconsistent, and Isak’s record transfer so far proving so disappointing.
In the circumstances it is probably not surprising that the Dutchman is trying to shift blame, to try to take some of the pressure off himself and his ailing striker.
Van de Ven revealed he has apologised direct to Isak via text and said he didn’t mean to hurt him, but the context of the game makes it easier for the Anfield hierarchy to point fingers at Spurs.
Simons saw red after a VAR review of a late challenge on Virgil van Dijk, and Romero was shown a second yellow for kicking out at Ibrahima Konate in added time.
The pressure may be on Slot and company, but not to the same extent as Thomas Frank, who can now add disciplinary concerns to the mounting list of problems he has to deal with at Spurs.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Tottenham Hotspur news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @tottenhamnews247