Micky van de Ven
SpursLB
Possession Builder
Apr 19, 2001 (25)
Left
6'4"
179 lb
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Strong defensive display
van de Ven had one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 5-1 victory over Sweden.
Analysis: van de Ven delivered a composed and energetic display in Saturday's 5-1 win over Sweden, winning one of his two tackles, making one clearance and creating one chance as the left back in coach Ronald Koeman's back four, also completing 41 passes and contributing to the attacking transitions that stretched Sweden's defensive shape throughout. The Tottenham Hotspur defender was tested by Sweden's counter-attacks, particularly when Alexander Isak was released in behind, but recovered his position effectively on multiple occasions and showed the ball-carrying ability from deep that gives the Netherlands a unique offensive dimension from defensive positions. Now heading into the knockout stage unbeaten across two group games, van de Ven will be one of the first names on Koeman's teamsheet, with his combination of pace, reading of the game and progressive carrying making him one of the most dynamic left back remaining in the tournament.
Active at left-back
van de Ven registered one shot (zero on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Sunday's 2-2 draw against Japan. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 91st minute.
Analysis: van de Ven played the full 90 minutes in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Japan, operating at left-back in a back four and registering one shot on target from a first-half surge forward, along with one cross, while also picking up a yellow card for a tactical foul on Junya Ito in the second half. The Tottenham Hotspur defender was physically dominant for much of the match but was occasionally tested by Ito's pace in behind, contributing to the defensive pressure that ultimately cost the Netherlands late when Daichi Kamada's deflected header found the top corner in the 89th minute. His ability to carry the ball out from the back and cover ground with elite speed gives the Netherlands a unique defensive weapon, and managing his yellow-card situation will be an important consideration for coach Ronald Koeman heading into the next group-stage fixture.
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