Liverpool Boss Arne Slot singles one Tottenham Star for praises despite unforgettable moment in his side victory

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot departed north London with three crucial Premier League points in the bag, but the narrow 2–1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur did not dominate his post-match reflections. Instead, the Dutchman found himself singling out an opposing player whose performance left a lasting impression on him long after the final whistle.

In a fiercely contested encounter packed with intensity, flashpoints and shifting momentum, Slot openly admitted that one Tottenham defender stood head and shoulders above the rest. Despite Liverpool ultimately coming out on top, it was Micky van de Ven’s display at the back that captured the Liverpool manager’s admiration.

The match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium saw the visitors strike twice in the second half to seize control. Alexander Isak broke the deadlock in the 56th minute, finishing confidently after sustained pressure from Liverpool. Just ten minutes later, Hugo Ekitike added a second, pouncing on a rare defensive lapse to give Slot’s side a valuable cushion.

Tottenham, however, refused to fade quietly. Spurs pushed forward with renewed urgency and were rewarded late on when Richarlison pulled a goal back in the 83rd minute, sending the home crowd into full voice and setting up a nervy finale. Despite the late scare, Liverpool managed the closing stages effectively to secure all three points.

While Liverpool celebrated an important away win, Slot was quick to highlight how difficult the contest had been, particularly when attempting to breach Tottenham’s defensive structure. At the heart of that resistance was van de Ven, whose combination of pace, power and composure consistently disrupted Liverpool’s attacking rhythm.

Speaking candidly after the match, Slot could not hide his admiration for the Dutch centre-back.

“I mean no disrespect to Tottenham,” Slot explained. “I knew Richarlison had a strong game and even scored, but one player really shocked me. Micky van de Ven was incredible. I don’t understand why this player hasn’t played for a higher club like ours. He has everything. I’ve never seen someone so strong. He was like a wall.”

Liverpool’s forwards enjoyed spells of dominance, but time and again they were denied by van de Ven’s sharp recovery runs, commanding aerial presence and confidence in stepping out from the back. His ability to read danger early forced Liverpool into hurried decisions and limited clear-cut chances.

Tottenham started the match with notable confidence, pressing aggressively and refusing to adopt a deep, defensive approach despite facing one of the league’s most dangerous attacking units. Van de Ven set the tone early, winning physical duels, organizing those around him and ensuring Spurs remained competitive throughout the contest.

Even after Liverpool struck twice, Tottenham continued to show resilience. Richarlison’s late goal reignited belief inside the stadium, and the final minutes became frantic as Spurs pushed numbers forward in search of an equaliser. Once again, van de Ven played a key role, marshalling the back line and driving his team forward whenever the opportunity arose.

Slot later admitted that the match was far from comfortable.

“This was one of our toughest games so far,” he said. “Tottenham played with courage and intensity, and we had to fight for every ball.”

Despite the disappointment of defeat, the Tottenham manager praised his side’s commitment and singled out van de Ven for his leadership and influence.

“He was outstanding,” the manager noted. “He gave everything for the team and showed exactly why he’s so important to us.”

Supporters inside the stadium echoed that assessment at full time, applauding the defender warmly as players left the pitch. Online, fans were quick to react to Slot’s comments, with many viewing them as a mark of respect rather than provocation.

For Liverpool, the win maintains their momentum under Slot and underlines their growing resilience, particularly in hostile away environments. Claiming three points at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is no small feat, especially in a match filled with pressure and late drama.

Yet Slot’s decision to focus on an opposing player spoke volumes. It underlined not only van de Ven’s outstanding individual performance, but also the increasing recognition of Tottenham’s defensive core across the Premier League.

As the season continues, displays like this are likely to attract even more attention. Van de Ven’s rare blend of strength, speed and self-assurance makes him one of the most difficult defenders to face, even for elite attacking sides.

Liverpool left London with the points. Tottenham, meanwhile, walked away with something just as significant — respect. On a night dominated by goals, tension and controversy, one defender stole the spotlight and reminded everyone that football is about far more than the final scoreline.