Tottenham Hotspur are edging closer to what could be a historic European campaign under Ange Postecoglou, as they prepare to take on FK Bodø/Glimt in the second leg of their Europa League semi-final. The Lilywhites will travel to Norway this Thursday, heading to the remote but formidable Aspmyra Stadion with a commanding two-goal lead from the first leg. With one foot already in the final, many fans and pundits anticipate that Postecoglou will field a full-strength squad to finish the job in style.
However, here at TTLB, we believe the club faces a crucial decision that goes beyond just this 90-minute contest. The moment has come for Spurs to show not only their hunger for silverware but also their foresight when it comes to player health, long-term squad management, and sustainability of performance.
One player at the heart of this dilemma is Micky van de Ven. The Dutch centre-back has been a cornerstone of Tottenham’s defensive transformation this season. His pace, positional intelligence, and recovery speed have allowed Spurs to play with a daringly high defensive line—a tactical identity that Postecoglou has instilled since day one. But it’s precisely because of how important Van de Ven is that we argue he should not start this game.
The reason? The artificial 4G pitch at Bodø’s home ground.
While fans might dismiss surface concerns as minor details, those within the game—and in sports science circles—know better. Synthetic turf like the one at Aspmyra can significantly increase the stress placed on joints and soft tissue. For a player like Van de Ven, whose game is built around explosive acceleration, sharp lateral movements, and covering vast defensive distances, the risk is substantial.
And this isn’t just theoretical. Studies have shown that players—especially those with previous hamstring issues—face a 16% higher risk of injury per action when playing on artificial turf. The way synthetic grass grips the boots changes how the muscles and ligaments absorb force, often resulting in stiffness and increased fatigue post-match. For a player still on the comeback trail after suffering a serious hamstring tear earlier this season, the risk may simply not be worth taking.
Van de Ven has already missed over two months of football this campaign due to that hamstring problem. Although he’s recently returned and has managed to string together a few 90-minute outings, rushing him back into action on a surface known to aggravate soft-tissue conditions could prove disastrous. Not only could it rule him out for the rest of this European campaign, but a recurrence could also sideline him at the start of next season—derailing both his progress and Tottenham’s preparations for the new campaign.
But this decision isn’t solely about risk avoidance—it’s also about smart resource management. Van de Ven is not a player you can easily replace within this Tottenham setup. While Cristian Romero brings grit and leadership at the back, and younger options like Archie Gray are emerging talents, none can replicate the unique defensive attributes Van de Ven offers. His pace is what enables Spurs to press high and recover quickly against elite-level transitions. Without him, Postecoglou’s tactical structure would require a full recalibration—especially if Spurs reach the final and face top-tier opposition.
Yes, benching such a key figure in a European semi-final may raise eyebrows. Yes, Van de Ven himself would likely be desperate to play, eager to contribute to the club’s historic pursuit of continental glory. But sometimes, the most courageous decision isn’t the one that feels good in the moment—it’s the one that protects your most vital pieces for the battles that matter most.
Tottenham are on the brink of something special. But to go the distance, they need to be wise as well as bold. Sitting Micky van de Ven on Thursday might not be the popular choice—but it could be the one that ensures Spurs have every chance to lift that European trophy with him in the team when it matters most.
