Micky van de Ven has been a key player for Tottenham Hotspur since moving to the club in the summer of 2024.
The Dutch international has become a first fan favourite at the club after swapping Germany for England, although his form has dipped slightly this season.
After Thomas Frank replaced Ange Postecoglou at the helm, Van de Ven – much like the rest of his teammates – has looked off colour.
Nevertheless, Postecoglou feels the Dutchman can face any striker in the world on his day, as he went on to make a bold claim on his 2026 FIFA World Cup prospects for the Netherlands.
Van de Ven tipped to play left back for the Netherlands
Van de Ven has played 32 times in all competitions for Tottenham this season and has already scored seven goals, which is an unbelievable tally for a central defender.
However, Spurs have leaked goals for fun this season and find themselves 16th in the Premier League table, leading to questions being asked over the form of key players such as Van de Ven.
Postecoglou feels the Dutchman’s speed and strength hold him in good stead, predicting him to feature as a left-back for the Netherlands at the World Cup.
“He’s top. He could be as good as he wants to. You watch him at the World Cup, I reckon they’ll play him at left back and he’ll be unbelievable,” said Postecoglou on The Overlap.
“Once he gets going, technically, he’s good; his ability to cover ground is phenomenal.
“You’d set him up against any striker in the world, without any fear that he will get outmuscled and definitely not outrun.”
The Dutchman featured as a left-back a couple of times for Tottenham last season and showcased his rapid pace, while that was also the case for the national team under Ronald Koeman.
Postecoglou also heaped praise on Cristian Romero, with the pair forming a successful partnership at the heart of the Tottenham backline in recent years.
Where will Van de Ven play under Igor Tudor?
Igor Tudor has taken over the reigns at Tottenham on an interim basis and will look to steady the ship immediately, starting with the North London derby at home against Arsenal.
With Romero suspended for the game, Van de Ven should lead the backline and will be in line to captain the club in the absence of the Argentine.
Read More: Igor Tudor sends stern message to Arsenal ahead of first Tottenham game
He is expected to line up as the left-sided defender in a back three, with Radu Dragusin and possibly Archie Gray or Joao Pahlinha alongside him due to their injury woes.
