Tottenham Hotspur are set to welcome a much-needed defensive boost ahead of their highly anticipated North London Derby clash against Arsenal, with Micky van de Ven reportedly on track to make a return. The Dutch center-back had missed Tottenham’s recent Premier League match against Newcastle United, a game in which Spurs suffered a 3-1 defeat.
His absence was keenly felt as the Magpies took advantage of Tottenham’s vulnerabilities on the counter-attack and their struggles to cope with transitions. Van de Ven, who had picked up a minor muscle strain during Tottenham’s previous fixture against Everton, was sidelined for the trip to St. James’ Park.
Tottenham’s defensive shortcomings were on full display against Newcastle, a match in which the lack of Van de Ven’s physical presence and ability to organize the backline became apparent. The 23-year-old had quickly established himself as a key player in Ange Postecoglou’s new-look defense since joining the club, offering a balance of pace, composure, and ball-playing ability. His absence was a blow, and the defeat highlighted just how integral he has become to Tottenham’s plans this season.
However, reports from BBC Sport have confirmed that Van de Ven’s injury is not serious, and the decision to rest him against Newcastle was largely precautionary. In a further measure to ensure his fitness, the defender has also withdrawn from the Dutch national team’s Nations League fixtures against Bosnia and Germany during the upcoming international break. The extra time off will allow him to recover fully, and he is expected to be fit and available for Tottenham’s next Premier League match, which happens to be the pivotal North London Derby against Arsenal.
Key Defensive Reinforcement for North London Derby
The timing of Van de Ven’s return couldn’t be more critical for Tottenham. Arsenal, Tottenham’s bitter rivals, have started the season strongly and remain one of the favorites to challenge for the Premier League title under Mikel Arteta. The Gunners boast a formidable attacking lineup, with players like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, and Kai Havertz posing a constant threat in the final third. For Tottenham to stand any chance of keeping Arsenal’s dynamic attack at bay, they will need their best defenders on the pitch, and Van de Ven’s availability will be crucial.
In Van de Ven, Tottenham have a defender who not only excels in traditional defensive duties—such as tackling, marking, and aerial duels—but also brings a modern, progressive style of play to the team. His ability to carry the ball out from the back and distribute accurately is a key component of Postecoglou’s system, which emphasizes building attacks from deep and maintaining possession under pressure. Against a team like Arsenal, who are known for their high-pressing game and ability to force mistakes, having a composed ball-playing defender like Van de Ven could make all the difference.
One of the standout challenges for Tottenham’s defense will be dealing with Kai Havertz, who has enjoyed a bright start to the season after his summer move from Chelsea. The German international, often deployed in an advanced role, has a knack for finding space in the box and linking up with his teammates in dangerous areas. Havertz’s aerial ability and movement off the ball will require close attention, and Van de Ven will likely be tasked with tracking him and neutralizing his impact.
Radu Dragusin’s Role and Depth in Defense
Had Van de Ven been unavailable for the Arsenal fixture, it is likely that Postecoglou would have turned to Romanian defender Radu Dragusin to fill the void. Dragusin, who arrived at Tottenham during the summer transfer window, is highly rated for his physicality and defensive awareness. While he has shown promise in his early appearances for the club, Dragusin is still adjusting to the pace and intensity of the Premier League, and relying on him in such a high-stakes match against a title-contending team like Arsenal could have been a significant gamble.
Van de Ven’s return, therefore, eases the pressure on Dragusin and allows Tottenham to field their first-choice center-back pairing of Van de Ven and Cristian Romero. Romero, known for his aggressive style and excellent reading of the game, complements Van de Ven’s more measured approach. Together, they form a balanced and cohesive partnership that gives Tottenham a solid foundation at the back. While Dragusin remains an important squad player and will likely get more opportunities as the season progresses, having Van de Ven fit for the North London Derby is a massive boost for the team.
Van de Ven’s Importance to Postecoglou’s System
Ange Postecoglou’s arrival at Tottenham has brought a noticeable shift in the team’s style of play. Under his management, Spurs have adopted a more possession-based approach, focusing on building from the back and maintaining control of the ball in all phases of play. Central to this philosophy is having defenders who are comfortable with the ball at their feet and can play accurate passes to initiate attacks.
Van de Ven fits this mold perfectly. His ability to distribute the ball from deep areas and break lines with his passing is a key asset for Tottenham. Whether it’s playing short passes to his fellow defenders or launching long diagonal balls to the wingers, Van de Ven’s range of passing adds an extra dimension to Spurs’ play. This is particularly important against teams like Arsenal, who are known for their organized pressing and ability to disrupt opposition build-up play.
In addition to his passing, Van de Ven’s calmness under pressure allows him to evade opposition forwards who try to press high up the pitch. His ability to remain composed and make the right decision when pressed ensures that Tottenham can maintain possession and avoid costly turnovers in dangerous areas. This will be especially important against Arsenal, who are likely to press aggressively in an attempt to force mistakes and capitalize on quick transitions.
Tottenham’s Defensive Resilience Will Be Tested
While Van de Ven’s return is undoubtedly a positive development for Tottenham, the North London Derby will still present a major test for Spurs’ defense. Arsenal have been one of the most potent attacking sides in the league under Arteta, and their fluid movement, quick passing, and ability to create chances from multiple angles make them a tough team to defend against.
Bukayo Saka, in particular, has been in sensational form and will likely be one of Arsenal’s main threats. The young English winger is known for his pace, dribbling, and ability to cut inside onto his favored left foot to either shoot or create chances for his teammates. Van de Ven, who is comfortable playing on the left side of defense, will need to be alert to Saka’s movement and ensure that he doesn’t allow the winger too much space to operate.
Additionally, Tottenham will need to be wary of Martin Ødegaard’s playmaking abilities. The Norwegian midfielder has a remarkable vision and passing range, often threading through balls into the box for Arsenal’s forwards to latch onto. Van de Ven’s positioning and awareness will be key in cutting out these passes and preventing Ødegaard from dictating the tempo of the game.
Tottenham’s defensive resilience will also be tested by Gabriel Jesus, who is known for his intelligent movement and work rate. The Brazilian forward is adept at finding space between defenders and making darting runs into the box. Romero and Van de Ven will need to communicate effectively to ensure that Jesus doesn’t exploit any gaps in the backline.
A Positive Sign for Tottenham’s Title Aspirations
Van de Ven’s return could not have come at a better time for Tottenham, who are aiming to build on a promising start to the season under Postecoglou. While the defeat to Newcastle was a setback, Spurs remain within touching distance of the top four and have shown flashes of brilliance in their early performances.
The North London Derby represents more than just a local rivalry—it’s a chance for Tottenham to assert themselves as genuine contenders this season. A win against Arsenal would not only provide a morale boost but also signal to the rest of the league that Tottenham are a force to be reckoned with under their new manager. Having Van de Ven back in the lineup gives Spurs a better chance of achieving that goal.
As the international break draws to a close and preparations for the derby begin, Tottenham fans will be eagerly anticipating the return of their Dutch defensive stalwart. Van de Ven’s combination of defensive solidity and ball-playing ability will be crucial in helping Spurs navigate one of their toughest fixtures of the season.
Micky van de Ven’s return from injury ahead of the North London Derby against Arsenal provides Tottenham Hotspur with a vital defensive boost at a critical juncture in their season. His absence in the 3-1 loss to Newcastle United underscored just how important he has become to Tottenham’s defensive structure and overall playstyle under Ange Postecoglou. With Arsenal’s dynamic attacking unit posing a significant challenge, Van de Ven’s presence on the pitch will be key to containing the likes of Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Jesus.
His ability to distribute the ball from the back and maintain composure under pressure will also be a crucial asset in Tottenham’s bid to outplay Arsenal’s pressing game and build from the back effectively. While Tottenham’s defense will still face a tough test against a potent Arsenal attack, the return of their Dutch defender gives them a much better chance of securing a positive result in one of the most important fixtures of their season.