Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven has caught the eye this season with his form since signing in the summer from Wolfsburg.
The Dutchman has been a key player for Ange Postecoglou. Alongside Cristian Romero, Van de Ven has been part of one of the better central defensive pairings in the league.
Of course, one of the key factors in Van de Ven’s game is his speed. The defender recorded a record-breaking speed of 37.38km/hr last month.
However, while that speed has been impressive and helped Van de Ven adapt to the PL, former Man City defender Nedum Onuoha has raised a concern about solely relying on that skill.
Micky van de Ven speed praised but warning fired
Speaking on the Planet Premier League podcast, Onuoha praised Van de Ven’s speed as an asset but suggested it’s not something he should solely be relying on.
“Speed is a huge asset in football if you have it but it’s not necessarily the only asset or that it can’t be beaten as such. It’s great that, I think the speed he registered was the quickest since they started measuring them in the PL era, and that is fantastic. But say the difference between him at 37.38 or something and the guy running at 36, if they start running first they’re going to get there first and have an opportunity, so it’s not necessarily something you want to hang your hat on all the time.
“But I think as well as VDV having that speed and aggression, you’ve got Vicario as well coming off his line that really makes a big difference but that recovery speed, it gives you a sense of comfort. You will tend to believe someone will have a second chance to get there,” Onuoha said.
Tottenham will be delighted
The point about Van de Ven’s speed made here is a good one. But at the end of the day, that’s partly why he was signed by Ange.
The Tottenham boss wants to play that high line and risky football and in fairness to him, it has worked in the main this season.
As for £43m signing Van de Ven, this is only his first season in the Premier League and he will get better. He’s been a fine signing on the whole. Especially given he had a serious injury earlier in the season and bounced back.
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