Thomas Frank confident Micky van de Ven has 'big future' at Spurs
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Tottenham Hotspur's Micky van de Ven celebrates their win over Everton.
AFP
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LONDON – Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank is upbeat about the long-term future of Micky van de Ven with the north London club, despite reported interest in the Dutch defender from Spanish giants Real Madrid.
The centre-back scored twice in Sunday’s 3-0 win at Everton to take his tally for the season to five goals in 13 appearances, with Spurs now third in the table – five points behind leaders and arch north London rivals Arsenal.
Van de Ven has become a leading figure in the absence of injured club captain Cristian Romero and could lead the side out again in a League Cup match away to holders Newcastle United on Wednesday.
Frank, attempting to retain the senior players in a squad that won the Europa League in May, was relaxed about keeping hold of van de Ven, who joined Spurs on a six-year deal in 2023, for all the talk that Real are tracking the progress of the 24-year-old.
“Yeah, very happy with Micky. I think he has been brilliant for the club since he signed and he has taken some steps up this season,” he said.
“I think he actually defends even better. I think he is still very good on the ball, he added the goals and the headed goals, which I am very happy with. He’s a threat from set-pieces.
“Character and leadership also growing and as far as I know, we have a good contract with him but definitely a player I see with a big future at the club.”
In the match against Everton, van de Ven nodded in from virtually on the goal line following a corner in the 19th minute and scored another close-range header from another corner in first-half stoppage time.
Frank added: “I think he is happy here, that is very important and we’re happy with him, so let’s see what happens in the future.
“I think the most important thing is it looks like he really enjoys his football, he really enjoys his time here, I am very happy with him, everyone is really happy, so that’s a good sign.”
Van de Ven himself is pleased with his contributions, and is looking to help the team as much as he can.
“I’ve never scored two goal in one game,” the defender told Sky Sports after the win over Everton.
“We saw some great mentality again. When we play away in the Premier League, we know it is going to be tough, and we showed great character.” AFP, REUTERS
