Micky Van de Ven is ‘ten times better’ than Spurs teammate – Pundit claims

Micky van de Ven’s performances for Tottenham Hotspur this season have drawn significant praise, with pundit Jamie O’Hara recently making a bold statement about the young Dutch defender’s impact compared to his teammate, Cristian Romero. In a conversation with former Aston Villa striker Dean Saunders on talkSPORT, O’Hara went as far as to claim that Van de Ven is “ten times better” than Romero, citing the Argentine’s recent struggles in comparison to his own consistent displays.

Romero had a standout season in 2023-24, showing improved discipline and defensive reliability that helped solidify his position as a key figure in Tottenham’s backline. However, the 26-year-old has found himself under scrutiny at the start of this campaign. His performances have been marred by a series of mistakes, some of which have been costly for Spurs. These errors have sparked criticism from fans and pundits alike, including O’Hara, who believes the Argentine’s form is far below the standard expected from a player of his caliber.

Despite being a World Cup winner with Argentina, Romero’s tendency to make rash decisions on the pitch has been a point of contention. O’Hara did not hold back in his assessment, calling Romero a “liability” for Tottenham this season. He also claimed that Van de Ven’s performances have far outshone those of the former Juventus man. In O’Hara’s eyes, Van de Ven has quickly established himself as the superior defender in the partnership.

The conversation between O’Hara and Saunders centered on the contrasting defensive styles of the two centre-backs. While Romero is known for his aggressive and sometimes reckless approach, which can lead to unnecessary fouls and bookings, Van de Ven has earned praise for his calmness and composure at the back. The Dutchman’s ability to read the game and his solid positional play have made him an integral part of Ange Postecoglou’s defense this season.

O’Hara’s comments were stark in their comparison, with the former Spurs player stating: “Van de Ven has been ten times better than Romero this season. He’s a better player.” This assessment highlights just how far Romero has fallen in the eyes of some observers, especially given his status as a World Cup-winning defender.

Romero’s underwhelming start to the season has led to increasing speculation regarding his future at the club. The Argentine has just over 18 months remaining on his contract, and reports have surfaced suggesting that he is hesitant to engage in talks over a new deal, reportedly waiting to see if a move to a club like Real Madrid materializes. His lack of commitment to extending his stay at Tottenham, coupled with his recent performances, has left some fans wondering if this might be his last season in North London.

Should Romero’s form not improve, Tottenham may face difficult decisions regarding his future. While Van de Ven’s performances have provided a level of reassurance at the back, it remains to be seen whether Spurs will be willing to part ways with a player of Romero’s caliber. If the 26-year-old continues to deliver underwhelming performances, his departure could be viewed as a non-event by some fans who have grown frustrated with his inconsistency.

For now, Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou will be hoping that Romero can rediscover the form that made him a standout performer last season. His leadership qualities and defensive strength are vital for a Spurs team that aims to compete for the upper reaches of the Premier League. However, with Van de Ven’s rapid integration into the team and his impressive performances, it’s clear that the young Dutchman has already made a significant impact at Spurs.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how Romero responds to the criticism and whether he can rediscover the form that made him one of Tottenham’s most valuable players. In the meantime, Micky van de Ven will continue to be a rising star in Spurs’ defensive ranks, earning praise for his maturity and reliability at just 23 years of age. Whether he can maintain this high level of performance throughout the season could prove pivotal in Tottenham’s quest for success.