“Tottenham has gotten another Van De Ven already”- Tottenham wonderkid imitate Micky van de Ven – He’s just what Ange Postecoglou needs
Ange Postecoglou is undoubtedly leading Tottenham Hotspur into an exciting new era, shaping a squad brimming with promise for the future. The recent addition of young talents like 18-year-olds Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gary into the first team highlights Spurs’ commitment to infusing youth into their ranks. These acquisitions are just the tip of the iceberg, as there are even more bright prospects emerging from the club’s renowned academy system.
One standout name generating considerable buzz at Hotspur Way is Mikey Moore, widely regarded as the next big talent to come through Tottenham’s youth setup. Moore isn’t alone in capturing attention, as Will Lankshear has also impressed with his development. Meanwhile, Alfie Devine and Jamie Donley are progressing along their respective career paths, gaining valuable experience while on loan at Westerlo in Belgium and Leyton Orient in League One.
Another rising star is Luka Vuskovic, a central defender who is thriving on loan at Westerlo. Signed by Spurs from Croatian side Hadjuk Split when he was just 16, Vuskovic has been enjoying his football abroad as he awaits his official integration into Tottenham’s squad next February when he turns 18. His previous loan spell in Poland with Radomiak Radom helped him refine his skills before moving to Belgium, where he continues to build on his potential with regular playing time.
However, not all of Tottenham’s young talents have had smooth paths. Alfie Dorrington, another promising center-back, has seen his progress hindered by a nagging hamstring injury that sidelined him for much of 2024. After a lengthy spell out, Dorrington made his much-anticipated return to action against Valencia in the Premier League International Cup. Although he was substituted after an hour, the match marked an important step in his recovery.
The following week, Dorrington was back in Tottenham’s under-21 starting XI for their Bristol Street Motors Trophy clash against Exeter City. Up against a confident League One side that had started their season strongly, Dorrington faced an immediate test. Within the first 15 minutes, he cleared several dangerous crosses with excellent positioning and awareness, showcasing his defensive sharpness despite the time away.
As Spurs took control of possession early on, Exeter resorted to launching long balls over the top in an attempt to bypass Dorrington and the high defensive line he was leading. However, the teenager’s awareness and organizational skills were on full display, as Exeter’s attackers were caught offside eight times in the first half alone. It was clear that Dorrington’s intelligence and tactical understanding would make him a natural fit in Postecoglou’s high-pressing defensive system.
During the match at St. James’ Park, Dorrington demonstrated a tantalizing blend of attributes reminiscent of both Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven. When a clever Exeter pass breached the offside trap, Dorrington showed lightning recovery speed over five yards to neutralize the threat, an ability that has made Van de Ven a fan favorite. On the ball, he looked calm and composed, displaying his range of passing—an essential quality in Postecoglou’s system.
One particular moment stood out in the second half when Dorrington expertly delivered a first-time pass across the pitch, finding Oliver Irow with pinpoint accuracy. The skillful play drew applause from the Spurs supporters in attendance. When forward passing options weren’t available, Dorrington was happy to drive forward himself, with several dribbling runs taking him past Exeter’s midfielders—another skill Tottenham fans have seen from both Van de Ven and Romero in the first team.
Although Exeter eventually scored from a corner while Dorrington was still on the pitch, it was a well-executed set-piece that few defenses could have prevented. As was the case in the previous game, Dorrington was substituted around the 60-minute mark, having once again made a significant impact.
At full-time, the young defender received enthusiastic applause from the traveling Spurs fans, along with a chant acknowledging his performance. Dorrington responded with a smile and a thumbs-up, clearly appreciating the support. His performance showed exactly why he is so highly regarded at the club, and why Postecoglou has taken a particular interest in his development.
Despite the setbacks caused by injury, Dorrington’s potential to become a key player in Tottenham’s first team is evident. If he continues to deliver performances like the one against Exeter, it won’t be long before he makes his mark on the senior squad as the ideal defender for Postecoglou’s dynamic and aggressive system. His blend of speed, tactical awareness, and composure on the ball positions him as one of the most exciting prospects in Tottenham’s burgeoning crop of young talents.