Tottenham: Even ex-Arsenal defender Martin Keown is wowed by Spurs ace Micky van de Ven
There is little love lost between Tottenham supporters and Martin Keown.
The now prominent BBC pundit is a legend with Spurs’ North London rivals Arsenal where he was a member of their ‘Invincibles’ title-winning side.
But his review of Spurs defender Micky van de Ven might win him a few brownie points with Tottenham supporters (though probably not).
Writing in the Daily Mail’s Football pull out on Saturday (13 April, page 9), Keown was speaking about Van de Ven’s importance against Newcastle and likened him to England great Des Walker.
“He is only 22, soon to be 23, and his sweeping up reminds me of a former defender who the Forest fans love used to love singing: ‘You’ll never beat Des Walker.'” Keown wrote.
Micky van de Ven pace crucial for Tottenham v Newcastle
The same piece in the Daily Mail highlighted one stat that can be crucial for Tottenham when they look to boost their Champions League chances against Newcastle United on Saturday (13 April).
Van de Ven has been clocked as the fastest player in the Premier League this season, registering a top speed of 23.23 miles per hour this season.
For context, Luton Town flyer Chiedozie Ogbene is next in line at 22.94mph and Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga is not far behind with 22.93mph.
Van de Ven, still only 22, does naturally still have his flaws and you will see that as he gets more his experience his positional play and knowing when to close the danger will improve.
But his speed is sure to be a vital factor at St James’ Park where the pitch is big and the hosts possess plenty of pace to hurt opponents – not least the likes of Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak.
What does Tottenham ace Micky van de Ven add for Ange Postecoglou?
It is not just his ability to cover ground so rapidly that Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou loves so much about Van de Ven, though.
The Australian boss likes his defenders to be able to play on the ball, dictate the play from deep, and build attacks from the back.
In stats provided by SofaScore, Van de Ven makes 64.6 accurate passes per came with a success rate of 95 per cent.
This climbs to 97 per cent (42.6 per game) when in his own half, while in the opposition half it is still a mightily impressive 92 per cent (22 per game).
He also averages 5.8 recoveries per game and is rarely dribbled past (0.3 per game), stats which are no doubt aided by his rapid pace.
It is little wonder, then, why Postecoglou loves Van de Ven so much. The flying Dutchman could have a huge impact on their chances against Newcastle this afternoon. Indeed, he could have a huge impact on whether or not they are playing Champions League football next season.
In other Tottenham news, another Spurs ace simply has to start against the Magpies.
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