Alan Shearer has admitted that he is not yet convinced by one Tottenham Hotspur player Gary Lineker really likes, insisting that it is too soon to get carried away with him.
Spurs returned to winning ways at the weekend, with Ange Postecoglou’s side beating Burnley 2-1 to keep their slim top-four hopes alive heading into the final couple of games.
Tottenham remain a work in progress, having lost their previous four games in the Premier League, but the three points will have done them the world of good. And the winner came from an unlikely source.
Micky van de Ven found the bottom corner with such a composed finish late on, doing brilliantly to create the opportunity after receiving the ball for James Maddison.
Van de Ven has been a revelation in the Premier League, with Postecoglou one of those who has been amazed by how well he has done in his first year at Tottenham.
Alan Shearer not yet completely convinced by Micky van de Ven
But it seems that not everyone is certain that the 23-year-old is going to be a star, with Gary Lineker telling The Rest is Football that Alan Shearer has a question mark over the youngster.
“I like him. Alan is not so sure, we have had a bit of a debate. He suffered a bit because he did his hamstring and then he had another tweak and he made a couple of mistakes particularly against Newcastle. I think he is going to be very good and he’s still young,” Lineker said.
“I just think to say how brilliant he is, it might be a little bit too soon. There is undoubted ability there. But I think there is certainly bigger tests that will come his way, but he has a very good start. He looks to be a good signing but I wouldn’t go overboard just yet,” Shearer replied.
Tottenham have their centre-back partnership locked in for next few years
Of course, there is always going to be an element of doubt over younger players while they are yet to realise their full potential. And Tottenham’s season has been a turbulent one, with Spurs falling away after leading the pack in the opening weeks of the campaign.
But van de Ven looks set to have a key role to play in Tottenham’s future. His partnership with Cristian Romero has been crucial, with van de Ven’s pace allowing Spurs to play such a high line.
He is also making an impact at the other end of the pitch, with three very good finishes across the Premier League season.
Perhaps Shearer is wise to exercise some caution, but it definitely seems that Tottenham have uncovered a gem.
