Player Watch Player Watch: Micky van de Ven

[Tucker]

Carragher (paraphrasing) said Liverpool scouted him but weren't fully convinced.

I can't find anything on the internet to support that though, it looks like the scout did recommend him but Spurs moved faster to close the deal (remember Tapsoba was first choice but didn't lead anywhere so they moved onto the next option).

I think it was more that they already had VVD in that position so chose to prioritise funds elsewhere for now. I don’t think it was because they didn’t rate VDV.

 

[jonnyp]

Mateta must've been well frustrated yesterday.

 

[Styopa]

I think it was more that they already had VVD in that position so chose to prioritise funds elsewhere for now. I don’t think it was because they didn’t rate VDV.

There’s also a strong possibility that van de Ven has exceeded expectations. From the outside it sounded like he was our second, less expensive option. A bit like with Vic, a lot of people here were of the opinion that we didn’t want to pay the money for our main targets so we moved onto the cheaper ones. It’s only in hindsight that people have changed their minds about it.

 

[thebenjamin]

Bloke's going to be the best in the league.

You misspelled universe

 

[Tucker]

There’s also a strong possibility that van de Ven has exceeded expectations. From the outside it sounded like he was our second, less expensive option. A bit like with Vic, a lot of people here were of the opinion that we didn’t want to pay the money for our main targets so we moved onto the cheaper ones. It’s only in hindsight that people have changed their minds about it.

I think that was just the usual anti Levy whinging to be honest. It was clear we saw Vicario as our first option imo, we didn’t fuck about.

The Tapsoba or VDV was slightly different but I don’t think it was a matter of going for the cheaper player.

 

[Styopa]

I think that was just the usual anti Levy whinging to be honest. It was clear we saw Vicario as our first option imo, we didn’t fuck about.

The Tapsoba or VDV was slightly different but I don’t think it was a matter of going for the cheaper player.

Yeah I sort of agree. But I suppose what I was getting at, is few people expected van de Ven to make the kind of impact he has done. Not just fans either. I think if other clubs could had anticipated he would make this kind of impact, his transfer fee would have been higher.

I could be wrong about that, but it just feels like one of those deals where the player has come in and exceeded all expectations.

And it also feels like one of those deals where the stars aligned: he came in while there was a feel good factor at the club, we started the season really well, the fact his pace is perfect for Ange’s system, the fact we were desperate for a quality new CB.

 

[ginola99]

Watching him go past one of Palace's players like they weren't there in the build up to one our goals (3rd I think) was just insane. Usually you say something positive about a centre back after a tackle or block but with VdV it's pretty much everything, out running players, building up from the back.

Hats off to scouting and the club as a whole. Incredible signing.

 

[Nick-TopSpursMan]

I just don’t know what to say anymore, the bloke is a complete God of a player.

Unbelievable player and the way he has developed since he played in Bundesliga last season is remarkable. I also think there were some signs yesterday that he’s improving his forward passing too (not that it was poor or anything before).

 

[SpursForever71]

incredible, almost like a one man defence at times, he gets everywhere.
speed, strength, not afraid to come out with the ball when needed, a collosus

 

[spanners]

He must be drawing attention from City and the like.

 

[Spriggan]

He must be drawing attention from City and the like.

They can look all they want, but I'm pretty sure they're all very well aware of who they would have to deal with, and the response they will get! Not worried at all.

 

[Misfit]

He's already in the convo for best player at the club, and I'm a long time Sonny stan.

He has no weakness is his game. His speed is a pure asset, not a mask for any deficiencies. Take it away and you still have a hell of CB in your hands.

Still a pup for a CB too.

 

[Danny1]

They can look all they want, but I'm pretty sure they're all very well aware of who they would have to deal with, and the response they will get! Not worried at all.

Exactly this. We are one of the richest clubs in the league (world) and we are only getting richer and richer. It would take something beyond ridiculous for us to part with him, which means it simply won’t happen.

 

[Frank Blank]

I think that was just the usual anti Levy whinging to be honest. It was clear we saw Vicario as our first option imo, we didn’t fuck about.

The Tapsoba or VDV was slightly different but I don’t think it was a matter of going for the cheaper player.

Exactly right.

 

[Misfit]

I think that was just the usual anti Levy whinging to be honest. It was clear we saw Vicario as our first option imo, we didn’t fuck about.

The Tapsoba or VDV was slightly different but I don’t think it was a matter of going for the cheaper player.

I remember being among the voices who just wanted us to pull the trigger on this guy once it was clear the club rated both instead of carrying on waiting for a CB who seemed less than keen/deal was harder to do.

This hierarchy stuff has bitten us on the arse so many times before. If they're good enough to make the list sign whichever one is best fit/keenest. If your list doesn't allow that then it's a shit list and you're settling for players you don't really rate anyway.

I loved to see us move away from it last summer with VDV and Vic. If you've done your due diligence it shouldn't matter.

 

[SpursSince1980]

They can look all they want, but I'm pretty sure they're all very well aware of who they would have to deal with, and the response they will get! Not worried at all.

Besides they are STACKED in that position already.

The team that should be kicking themselves is Liverpool.

The guy really is a cheat code. Best CB signing since Toby. (I love you Cuti, but VdV is something else)

As for all the goals we concede, that is nearly 100% down to style of play that leaves us vulnerable if we make mistakes. VdV alone probably prevents opponents from creating good chances three or four times per game.

 

[kd2000]

It must be demoralising playing against him.
you're the opposition striker, a balls played through and you're licking your lips, get in, I am in on goal here.
What the fk, where did he come from.
And again, and again.
Eat, get beat by Micky, repeat.

 

[ohtottenham!]

It must be demoralising playing against him.
you're the opposition striker, a balls played through and you're licking your lips, get in, I am in on goal here.
What the fk, where did he come from.
And again, and again.
Eat, get beat by Micky, repeat.

He's also an excellent reader of the game, and he anticipates danger so that he's not just reliant on his pace, although it sure does help.

His defensive tackles, headers, clearances are well-timed and decisive, and seldom lead to immediate, secondary opportunities for the opposition to gobble up. It's a sign of confidence and composure under pressure, and he does remind me of Toby in that respect.

We really do have a young gem with VDV. He impresses more and more with each game.

 

[tevezito]

incredible, almost like a one man defence at times, he gets everywhere.
speed, strength, not afraid to come out with the ball when needed, a collosus

The guy really is a cheat code. Best CB signing since Toby. (I love you Cuti, but VdV is something else)

As for all the goals we concede, that is nearly 100% down to style of play that leaves us vulnerable if we make mistakes. VdV alone probably prevents opponents from creating good chances three or four times per game.

I completely get the love in and love him so much myself, but I do think there's definitely an element of the system and the way we play being perfect for his skillset and showcasing his talents. And I'd just like to give a shout out to Cuti (and Ange for the system, obviously) for really allowing Micky to blossom the way he has. I think Cuti's front foot defending, riling of the opposition, organisational skills and greater experience are the perfect foil for Micky's pacy lapping up, and long may it continue.

 

[wpmcg]

I wonder how his ankle is, he almost came off on Saturday.