Darren Bent believes Micky van de Ven will be a key player for Tottenham Hotspur against Arsenal in the North London Derby this weekend.
The North London club have had a slow start to the new season despite making significant investments during the summer. But they can turn things around with a solid performance against arch-rivals Arsenal. A win in the derby could help Tottenham revive themselves and get things back on track.
Darren Bent believes Micky van de Ven could be the key to his former club Tottenham’s chances against Arsenal as he will allow them to effectively play with a high-line.
While speaking on talkSPORT, Bent explained why Van de Ven could have a big say on the result of the derby: “I think Van de Ven is crucial because of the way they play – that front foot, high energy, halfway line.
“Just because he allows them to play that high line because he knows his recovery speed is, and we are not blessed with blistering pace as a centre-forward. So I think he is key.”
Van de Ven was out injured for their clash against Newcastle United which they ended up losing 2-1. The Spurs backline was caught napping in the final phase of the game as Alexander Isak ran in behind and scored the winner for the Magpies. With Ange Postecoglou suggesting on Friday that the £43 million man is back fit for the game against Arsenal, Bent believes his return will allow them to effectively play the brand of football the Australian manager wants them to stick to.
The Dutch international has blistering pace and his recovery speed has been key to Spurs effectively playing with a high line under the Australian manager. With him back in time for the North London derby, Tottenham have received a major boost and Postecoglou will hope Van de Ven gets the job done.
