Tottenham Hotspur moved a step closer to securing Champions League football and a place in the top four on Sunday with a solid 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest – even if, it didn’t go all their own way.
Forest star Murillo – who has been linked with the exit door – almost scored from midway through his own half. Chris Wood equalsied after Murillo’s own goal – and then missed a sitter after, hitting the post.
But in the second half, Tottenham changed. A different side, helped by a gorgeous strike from Micky van de Ven. A beautiful effort, into the top corner with his left foot. Pedro Porro made it 3-1, also a nice goal.
Forest had no reply, and in truth, Tottenham could have scored five or six. For van de Ven, the plaudits flooded in after the full-time whistle. The Dutchman continuing his brilliant start to the 2023-24 season.
Micky van de Ven earns more and more plaudits at Tottenham
Jamie Redknapp claims he could emulate Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, should he continue in the same way as he has started. His goal was spectacular, and both Michael Owen and Roy Keane applauded him.
Keane told Sky Sports: “Very simple, very effective. We can be critical of Forest’s defending, but it’s struck brilliantly. He hits it like a striker, what a finish – no chance for the goalkeeper. Pace, beautiful strike.”
Owen told Premier League Productions: “It hits the back of the net almost as it leaves his foot. Brilliant strike. We’ve all eulogised over his defensive capabilities, but didn’t know he had that in his locker.”
Van de Ven quickly becoming one of the League’s best defenders
The Dutchman is on fire. James Maddison is probably the signing of the season for Spurs, immediately a game changer, a leader, But if anything, van de Ven is more important to them, to their way of playing.
His ability on the ball, his speed at the back, his technical ability and even the trait he boasts that allows him to go past players, is already known. His goal, saw him show he is capable of another dimension.
There were eyebrows raised when Tottenham spent £43m to sign the defender. But now, it is looking like one of the bargain buys of the season. With van de Ven, Spurs have a brilliant base to build around.
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