Van de Ven is keen on forming a central duo with Van Dijk: 'Fantastic defender'

Micky van de Ven has become one of the most promising defenders in European football, showcasing his speed, tactical awareness, and versatility at Tottenham Hotspur.

Despite his preference for playing in the heart of the defense, the Dutchman has proven his adaptability by also performing as a left-back when required. However, in a candid interview, Van de Ven made it clear that his heart lies in the central defensive role, where he believes he can make the greatest impact for both club and country.

"I prefer to play as a central defender," Van de Ven admitted. "I can definitely play as a left-back too, no problem, but my favorite position is in the center. That’s also the position I play at my clubs." For Tottenham, Van de Ven has been used primarily in central defense, where his combination of pace and defensive intelligence has drawn comparisons to some of the Premier League’s elite center-backs. His ability to recover quickly and read the game makes him a vital part of Spurs’ defensive setup.

However, breaking into the starting lineup for the Dutch national team is no easy task. The Netherlands boasts a wealth of talent in central defense, with established names like Virgil van Dijk, Matthijs de Ligt, Stefan de Vrij, Nathan Aké, Jurriën Timber, and Lutsharel Geertruida all competing for a spot. "I also know that there’s a lot of quality in the Dutch squad," Van de Ven acknowledged. Despite the intense competition, he remains positive about his chances, viewing it as an opportunity to improve. "I actually think it’s great that we have so many good central defenders in the Netherlands. You can discuss your position with others and how to solve situations. That only makes you better."

Van de Ven’s patience and optimism could soon be rewarded. With injuries to key defenders Nathan Aké and Jurriën Timber, there may be an opening for the 23-year-old to step into the lineup during the next round of international fixtures. "With Aké and Timber sidelined due to injuries, Van de Ven sees an opportunity for himself. 'Hopefully, I’ll get the chance to step in.'"

One aspect that particularly excites Van de Ven is the potential to partner with Virgil van Dijk, the towering Liverpool defender widely regarded as one of the best center-backs in the world. "It’s great that the national coach says he’d like to see me and Virgil van Dijk play together as central defenders. Hopefully, we’ll try that out at some point. Virgil is, of course, a fantastic defender, so I wouldn’t mind playing alongside him."

The prospect of partnering Van Dijk would be a dream come true for many defenders, and for Van de Ven, it could be a pivotal moment in his career. While both players favor the left central position, Van de Ven is confident that tactical adjustments could be made to accommodate them both. "We can’t both play in the left central position, but there are different ways to make it work. That’s up to the coach," he added. His willingness to adapt shows his maturity and understanding of the team’s needs.

Van de Ven’s steady rise in club football has not gone unnoticed by Dutch national team manager Ronald Koeman. The coach has been keeping a close eye on his development, especially after his impressive performances in the Premier League. Koeman had a conversation with Van de Ven after the European Championships, where he offered words of encouragement. "He told me to keep doing what I’m doing. And that’s exactly what I’m focused on," Van de Ven said, reflecting on the advice he received.

This guidance from Koeman has only fueled Van de Ven’s determination to keep improving and stake his claim for a regular spot in the national team. His journey to becoming a key player for the Dutch squad is far from over, but with his form at Tottenham and the possibility of forming a central defensive partnership with Van Dijk, Van de Ven’s future looks bright.

The Dutch national team is always on the lookout for the next generation of talent, and Van de Ven appears ready to step into the spotlight. Whether he will get his chance in the upcoming fixtures remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Micky van de Ven is a player on the rise, and his potential is undeniable. As he continues to develop his game, both at Tottenham and on the international stage, the football world will be watching closely to see how this young defender shapes the future of Dutch football.