Spurs fans happy Dutch defender won’t be heading on international duty

Tottenham Hotspur fans are breathing a sigh of relief as their key defender, Micky van de Ven, will not be joining the Dutch national team for the upcoming international break. This decision, made by Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman, has sparked joy among Spurs supporters, who are glad to see their 23-year-old star given the chance to rest and recover ahead of a crucial stretch of fixtures for the club.
The first international break of the year is fast approaching, and many European nations are announcing their squads for the March games, marking the beginning of their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification campaigns. Some teams will also participate in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals. The Netherlands, who had an impressive run in last summer’s European Championship before being eliminated by England, are one of the countries gearing up for these international matches. However, when Koeman revealed his squad, Tottenham fans were pleased to see that van de Ven’s name was absent.
While van de Ven may feel some disappointment at missing out on international duty, the decision seems wise given his recent injury struggles. The defender has missed a number of games this season, and a period of rest could be just what he needs to get back to his best. This will give him a chance to recover fully and be in peak condition for Spurs’ key fixtures, especially their upcoming London derby against Chelsea on April 3rd. With the stakes high in the Premier League and Spurs still competing in the UEFA Europa League, every player’s fitness is critical.
On social media, Tottenham fans expressed their gratitude for Koeman’s choice, recognizing that van de Ven’s health and well-being should come first. Fans understand the importance of protecting their assets for the final stretch of the season, where Tottenham will be looking to climb the Premier League table and chase European glory, as the Europa League remains their best chance for silverware this season.
Van de Ven made his debut for the Dutch national team in October 2023, coming on as a substitute for Nathan Aké in a Euro 2024 qualifier against France. Although the Netherlands lost that match, the experience was undoubtedly a significant milestone in the young defender’s career. Despite his debut, van de Ven has not been a regular starter for the national team, and his absence from Koeman’s squad for the upcoming matches reflects his current status within the team. However, with more consistent performances for Spurs, the defender can make a stronger case for himself in future international selections.
While it’s clear that missing these international fixtures may hinder van de Ven’s hopes of becoming a more regular part of the Dutch starting lineup, this decision is in the best interest of both the player and Tottenham Hotspur. If he can stay healthy and regain full fitness, his performances at club level should speak for themselves, and van de Ven’s time with the national team will likely come. Until then, Spurs fans are just happy to see their defender rested and ready for the challenges ahead.