“NOT ME, SON or MADDISON”- Micky van de Ven names Tottenham teammate as player to watch out for
Micky van de Ven believes Tottenham Hotspur fans should pay close attention to the performances of Cristian Romero this season, as the Argentine defender is expected to play a crucial role in the team’s success.
Tottenham Hotspur have had a somewhat uneven start to the 2024/25 season. Despite playing an exciting and attacking style of football under new manager Ange Postecoglou, the team hasn’t always secured the results they’ve been hoping for. The North London club experienced a tough stretch with back-to-back defeats against Arsenal and Newcastle United, which dampened their early momentum. However, Spurs have shown resilience, bouncing back with three consecutive victories across different competitions, providing hope that the team is finding its stride under Postecoglou’s leadership.
Micky van de Ven, who joined Tottenham in one of Postecoglou’s first signings after his move from Celtic, has quickly established himself as a vital player in the squad. The Dutch defender has become a consistent presence at the heart of Tottenham’s defense, forming a solid partnership with Cristian Romero. Van de Ven has started alongside Romero in every possible match since his arrival at the club, and the chemistry between the two has been a key element of Spurs’ defensive setup.
In a recent interview with *Science in Sport*, Van de Ven spoke highly of his defensive partner. When asked which players Tottenham supporters should keep an eye on during the 2024/25 season, Van de Ven was quick to mention Romero. According to the Dutchman, Romero’s contributions at the back will be essential for Spurs as they look to end their long-standing trophy drought under Postecoglou’s guidance. Romero, who is 26 years old, has attracted significant attention from top clubs across Europe due to his outstanding defensive abilities, making him one of the most sought-after centre-backs in the game. His aggressive style of defending, combined with his intelligence on the ball, makes him a critical player for Tottenham’s ambitions this season.
Under Postecoglou, Romero has become one of the first names on the team sheet, reflecting the trust the manager places in him. His commanding presence and leadership qualities have been vital in helping the team stay organized at the back while Postecoglou implements his high-pressing, attack-oriented philosophy.
Tottenham’s recent return to European football saw them secure an impressive 3-0 victory against Qarabag. However, Romero was notably absent from the squad, as he was serving a suspension. The Argentine defender had picked up a red card during a Champions League knockout tie against AC Milan in the 2022/23 season, resulting in his suspension for the first match of Tottenham’s European campaign. Despite his absence, Spurs managed to keep a clean sheet, but his return will undoubtedly bolster their defense in future matches.
Romero is set to return to the starting lineup when Tottenham faces one of their top-four rivals, Manchester United, in a highly anticipated Premier League clash. His performance in that fixture will be crucial as Spurs look to solidify their position in the race for a Champions League spot and continue their pursuit of silverware under their new manager.
As the season progresses, much of Tottenham’s success could depend on the formidable defensive partnership between Romero and Van de Ven. While the North London club has showcased their attacking prowess, having a solid and reliable defense will be equally important if they are to mount a serious challenge for domestic and European honors. With Romero at the heart of that defense, Tottenham fans will have plenty to be excited about in the months ahead.