FC Volendam’s director of youth, Ruben Jongkind, has stated that the Dutch club recognized Micky van de Ven was a rare talent from the start.
Van de Ven has had a remarkable ascent, having started his career in the Dutch second division for Volendam little over two years ago.
Some may have raised an eyebrow when Tottenham paid £43 million to recruit the 22-year-old from Wolfsburg in the summer, given that the defender was coming into the Premier League after only one season of regular Bundesliga action.
The transfer, however, has proven to be an inspired move by the North London club, with Van de Ven settling in easily and forming a powerful partnership with Cristian Romero at the back.During the international break, the centre-back earned his first two caps for the Netherlands and appears to be on track for a long career at the top level.
LUTON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 07: Tottenham Hotspur’s Micky van de Ven celebrates scoring the team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Luton Town and Tottenham Hotspur at Kenilworth Road on October 07, 2023 in Luton, England. (Image courtesy of Henry Browne/Getty Images)
Micky Van de Ven is a hidden gem at Tottenham.
Volendam turned rejected numerous low-ball offers for the player before eventually selling to Wolfsburg, according to Jongkind.
This is world-class potential, he told iNews, so don’t come with €1.5m when [Alessandro] Bastoni, who probably has less talent, already went for €31m.
I’ve never seen a centre-back or defender with his athletic ability and speed. He was so fast, and the engine was so powerful, but the wheels had to be solid as well.
Van de Ven’s cerebral strength, according to Jongkind, distinguished him from other young players at the Volendam academy.
He has explained many times that he felt like in the academy, it was really bad he went on to say. Despite this, he continued. He has a strong mental fortitude and the resolve to succeed, persevere, and keep going.
What distinguishes him is his ability to adjust to a higher level of competition. When you can always reinvent yourself and improve, you are a true super talent.
Spurs Online Opinion
All indications are that we have a generational talent on our hands, as Van de Ven appears to possess all of the characteristics required to develop into a world-class modern-day center-back.
