Tottenham Hotspur's 3-0 demolition of Manchester United has fans buzzing, but one player caught the eye of many – Micky van de Ven.
The Dutch defender's powerhouse performance at Old Trafford earned glowing praise from former Premier League striker Troy Deeney, who called him "just a joke" in his latest analysis.
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Van de Ven steals the show against Man Utd
Van de Ven, signed for £43 million ($57m) last year, was a standout on Sunday, proving his worth just three minutes into the game.
He dispossessed Marcus Rashford deep in United's half, driving forward in a stunning 60-yard run, beating multiple defenders, and setting up Brennan Johnson for an easy tap-in. It was the perfect start for Tottenham, and Van de Ven wasn’t done yet.
Defensively, the Dutchman was immense. He shut down multiple United attacks with ease, showing off his pace and reading of the game. Deeney, clearly impressed, added Van de Ven to his "Team of the Week" once again, praising his all-around performance.
"Defensively, he's just a joke. His pace gets a lot of attention, but the way he sees situations and covers his full-backs is excellent," Deeney wrote in his BBC Sport column. "And of course, another assist and a clean sheet – perfect for him."
Van de Ven’s stats were just as impressive: 97% passing accuracy, one block, one clearance, and four recoveries. His calmness on the ball and defensive reliability had Tottenham fans dreaming of bigger things this season.
As Spurs continue their hot streak with four wins in a row, they’ll hope Van de Ven keeps delivering the goods. With Europa League action next, Tottenham fans can be sure their new defensive star is no joke.
