“What a high level of disrespect”- Cundy and O’Hara clash on talkSPORT over who is better between Micky Van De Ven and Saliba
Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal both secured crucial victories in the Premier League this week, continuing their strong starts to the season.
One of the standout performers for Tottenham was defender Micky van de Ven, who delivered a commanding display in the heart of the defense during their impressive 3-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford. The Dutchman’s ability to stifle United’s attack and his overall presence on the pitch earned him widespread praise, with pundits and fans alike taking note of his performance.
Former Watford striker Troy Deeney, now a regular pundit, was so impressed by Van de Ven that he included the Spurs defender in his BBC Sport Team of the Week. Deeney praised Van de Ven for his calmness under pressure and his speed, highlighting his ability to neutralize some of the league’s most dangerous attackers.
On talkSPORT, former Tottenham player Jamie O’Hara took the praise to another level, boldly claiming that Van de Ven is currently the best center-back in the Premier League, possibly even the world. O’Hara went as far as to suggest that Van de Ven would walk into any team, including European giants like Real Madrid.
“He’s unbelievable,” O’Hara exclaimed. “I’ll go as far as to say he’s probably the best centre-back in the world right now. He’s better than Saliba. He’s got way more than Saliba. Van de Ven is the best centre-half in the world right now.”
However, this comparison sparked debate. Jason Cundy, another talkSPORT pundit, acknowledged Van de Ven’s talents but disagreed with O’Hara’s bold assertion. In Cundy’s view, Arsenal’s William Saliba holds the crown as the best centre-back in the Premier League. Cundy highlighted Saliba’s consistent performances and leadership, which have been crucial to Arsenal’s title challenges over the past two seasons.
While Van de Ven’s rise has been meteoric, comparisons to established defenders like Saliba remain controversial. Saliba, often described as an “old-school” defender, offers leadership and stability at the back, qualities that have transformed Arsenal’s defense. His physical presence, composure on the ball, and tactical intelligence make him a key figure in Arsenal’s title aspirations.
Van de Ven, on the other hand, is known for his blistering pace and ability to cover vast amounts of ground quickly, which is crucial in Tottenham’s high-pressing system under Ange Postecoglou. His ability to anticipate attacks and close down spaces with speed has made him an invaluable asset for Spurs, but whether he surpasses Saliba in terms of overall defensive quality remains up for debate.
For both clubs, these two defenders are pivotal. Tottenham fans will be hoping that Van de Ven can maintain his form and fitness throughout the season, as he will be instrumental in their hopes of winning a long-awaited trophy. His performances have injected new belief into the Spurs camp, and if he continues at this level, the club can realistically aim to compete on multiple fronts.
As for Arsenal, Saliba’s importance to the Gunners cannot be overstated. He has been a rock at the back, and his consistent performances have been a major factor in Arsenal’s resurgence as a Premier League contender. The Frenchman is still young and continues to grow as a player, making his ceiling exceptionally high.
While the debate between Van de Ven and Saliba may rage on among fans and pundits, one thing is certain: both players are among the Premier League’s elite defenders. Their contrasting styles—Van de Ven’s speed and dynamism versus Saliba’s strength and leadership—make them essential to their respective teams. As the season progresses, their performances will be closely watched, especially as both Spurs and Arsenal aim to challenge for silverware.
In the end, the question of who is better may remain subjective, but for now, both sets of fans can agree that they are fortunate to have such talented defenders leading their backlines. For Tottenham, keeping Van de Ven fit and firing could be the key to ending their trophy drought, while Arsenal will hope Saliba can continue to anchor their defense as they chase Premier League glory.