Mickey van de Ven’s influence on the Spurs team is now undeniably evident. Although they were able to defeat Aston Villa without him, they struggled at Craven Cottage as Fulham scored three goals against them.
This setback mentally brought Spurs fans back to a difficult period just before Christmas when van de Ven missed nine consecutive games due to his first hamstring injury of the season. Their performance during that time was not impressive, with less than half of the matches resulting in victories.
Currently facing his second hamstring injury, Postecoglu has assured that it is not as severe. The timing of the final international break of the season is fortunate, giving van de Ven an additional two weeks to regain fitness.
While the upcoming home game against Luton Town may not be urgent for his return, his presence will be crucial when Spurs face West Ham three days later. Failure to have him back on the pitch might expose the team’s reliance on him once more.
The statistics paint a grim picture: Spurs’ win rate drops from 66.7% to 40% when van de Ven is absent from the team. Out of the 18 matches he has started this season, they have only lost two – one of which was the Chelsea game where he sustained his initial hamstring injury, leading to a late collapse with nine men.
Tottenham’s defensive and offensive performance significantly improves with his presence on the team. He plays a crucial role in stabilizing the team on the pitch, contributing to overall success rather than just in one area. Players like Virgil van Dijk and Lisandro Martinez also offer similar quality for their clubs, highlighting the increasing influence of center-backs in modern football.
During the period when Van de Ven was absent for nine games, the team experienced a drop in the win rate, along with other key players like James Maddison, Cristian Romero, and Yves Bissouma. While his absence was felt, it was not solely about him.
However, the Fulham game emphasized his importance to the team, showcasing how crucial he is.
Tottenham’s style of play involves expansive possession football, which can leave them vulnerable to counterattacks due to the gaps left behind. This strategic sacrifice is made in pursuit of goals, similar to the approach taken by Erik ten Hag at Manchester United. Center-backs who can cover large distances and make defensive plays consistently are essential to surviving such games. Van de Ven’s unique combination of speed and tactical awareness sets him apart within the team, making him difficult to replace.
At just 22 years old, there are concerns about Van de Ven’s irreplaceability in the team due to his susceptibility to injuries, particularly hamstring issues. Despite this, Postecoglu remains committed to his vision and principles, indicating that Spurs will continue to play openly and leave spaces for opponents to exploit, whether Van de Ven is available or not.
This situation raises questions about the role of the Technical Director in addressing the team’s needs moving forward.