In Budapest, during a recent UEFA Nations League match, Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven started for the Netherlands against Hungary. The game ended in a 1-1 draw, a result that saw the Netherlands face a challenging encounter. Hungary initially took control of the match, with Rolland Sallai scoring in the first half. The Netherlands struggled to respond, and things got worse when Virgil van Dijk received a red card for two yellow offenses, leaving his team to finish the game with ten men.
Despite these setbacks, the Netherlands managed to equalize late in the match, with Denzel Dumfries finding the back of the net. Van de Ven played the full ninety minutes at left-back and was crucial to his team’s efforts. With Van Dijk now unavailable for the upcoming match against Germany, Dutch media have speculated that Van de Ven may shift to a central defensive role, where he has expressed a preference to play.
During the match, Hungary opted for a defensive strategy, placing ten players behind the ball after scoring. This approach limited Van de Ven’s ability to utilize his speed and attacking potential. Nevertheless, he maintained composure and performed well under pressure. According to the Dutch newspaper AD, his performance was rated six out of ten, with increasing calls for him to play a more central role in the upcoming match against Germany.
In this match against Hungary, Van de Ven recorded an impressive 111 touches and achieved a remarkable pass accuracy of 96%, completing 92 out of 96 passes. He made three clearances and won both an aerial duel and three ground duels, concluding the match with a Sofascore rating of 7. His performance showcased his ability to influence the game, even in a more constrained role.
Van de Ven joined Tottenham for £43 million from Wolfsburg last summer and has since demonstrated his capabilities at both club and international levels. He is quickly becoming one of the most exciting young defenders in the world, attracting attention for his skills and potential. He has publicly stated his desire to play in his preferred position of central defense, and with Van Dijk suspended, he is likely to get that opportunity against Germany.
The anticipation around Van de Ven’s potential starting role against Germany is significant. Fans and pundits alike are eager to see how he will handle the pressure and responsibilities that come with playing in central defense. His previous experiences in matches, including the draw against Hungary, will serve as a foundation as he prepares for this critical game.
The match against Hungary highlighted both the strengths and challenges of Van de Ven’s playing style. While he was not able to exploit the space and opportunities he typically thrives in due to Hungary’s compact defense, his ability to maintain possession and distribute the ball effectively was evident. This ability will be essential in a central role against a formidable German side, known for its attacking prowess.
As the Netherlands prepares for the match, the coaching staff will undoubtedly take Van de Ven’s recent performances into account. His contributions at left-back, combined with his impressive statistics, suggest he can handle the transition to a central defensive role. Fans will be watching closely to see if he can rise to the occasion and solidify his position within the national team framework.
The significance of this match extends beyond just points in the UEFA Nations League. It represents an opportunity for Van de Ven to establish himself as a key player for the Netherlands. His development as a defender is being closely monitored, and this match could serve as a crucial stepping stone in his career.
