‘Very good’: Jean-Philippe Mateta names the Tottenham player he hates playing against for one specific reason
Jean-Philippe Mateta Names the Tottenham Star Who’s Incredibly Difficult to Face – and It’s All Down to One Outstanding Trait
Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has opened up about one particular Tottenham Hotspur player who has made life especially difficult for him on the pitch – and it all comes down to one exceptional quality that sets this defender apart from the rest.
The French forward, who enjoyed a standout season with the Eagles, found the back of the net against Spurs in their Premier League clash last October and featured in both fixtures against the North London side as Palace completed an impressive double over Ange Postecoglou’s team. However, despite his success against Spurs, Mateta was quick to single out one Tottenham player who made those encounters particularly challenging: centre-back Micky van de Ven.
Mateta, who ended the 2024–25 Premier League season with an impressive tally of 14 goals – firmly establishing himself as one of the league’s most improved strikers – has now paid tribute to Van de Ven’s incredible speed, describing him as a nightmare to face in one-on-one situations.
Mateta Praises Micky van de Ven’s Blistering Pace
In a recent interview with the Premier League, Mateta couldn’t help but praise the sheer athleticism and speed of Tottenham’s Dutch defender, calling him a “very good” player and one of the hardest defenders to play against in the division.
“As a striker, you’re always making forward runs, looking to exploit spaces,” Mateta said. “But with this guy – Van de Ven – he’s always right there. He catches you. He’s so quick to get to the ball. He’s very, very good!”
Van de Ven, who has received admiration from many in the footballing world including Tottenham legend Glenn Hoddle, is now officially the fastest player ever recorded in Premier League history. That title was cemented when he clocked a record-breaking top speed of 37.38 km/h during a match against Brentford – a feat that puts him at the very top of the league’s speed charts.
Van de Ven’s Speed Is More Than Just a Stat – It’s a Game-Changer
Van de Ven’s pace isn’t just an impressive statistic; it’s a vital component of Ange Postecoglou’s tactical system. Operating with a high defensive line, Spurs often leave space behind their backline – a risky approach that only works if you have defenders who can recover quickly. Van de Ven has consistently proven himself to be that player, making crucial recovery runs to shut down counterattacks and deny opposing strikers any breathing room.
His lightning-quick acceleration and top-end speed were on full display throughout the season, particularly in the Europa League final, where he played a key role in helping Spurs finally lift silverware after a 17-year drought. One of his most celebrated moments came when he made a heroic clearance to stop Manchester United striker Rasmus Højlund from scoring a potential equaliser in the final stages – a match-saving intervention that earned praise from fans and pundits alike.
An Assist That Left Everyone Speechless
Tottenham captain Son Heung-min was among those who marvelled at Van de Ven’s speed earlier in the campaign, especially during Spurs’ stunning 4-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford. In that match, Van de Ven produced one of the most memorable assists of the season, using his speed to burst forward and deliver a perfect ball for Brennan Johnson to score – an attacking contribution rarely seen from a central defender.
Pace, Power, and Premier League Stardom
Van de Ven’s raw speed – unmatched by any other Premier League player this season – has made him not just one of the most exciting young defenders in England but a crucial pillar of Tottenham’s defensive setup. His ability to cover ground in seconds has added a new dimension to the Spurs backline, giving them both the freedom to push forward and the security of knowing they have someone who can shut down even the most dangerous counterattacks.
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s praise is just the latest in a growing list of admirers for Van de Ven, whose breakout season has made him one of the standout defenders in the Premier League. Whether it’s chasing down strikers, launching counterattacks, or pulling off goal-saving interventions, the Dutchman’s speed continues to leave opponents – and fans – in awe.