Paul O Keefe has singled out one Tottenham player with praise after the 2-2 draw at Goodison.
Tottenham Hotspur seemed set to secure all three points against Everton beforr Jarrad Branthwaite’s last-minute equaliser salvaged a point for The Toffees.
The former Everton forward Richarlison came back to haunt his old club, opening the scoring for the visitors just four minutes into the game with a first-time volley from Destiny Udogie’s pass.
Calvert-Lewin leveled the score around the half-hour mark, but Richarlison regained the lead for Spurs five minutes later with a stunning strike from 20 yards out.
Ange Postecoglou’s team was smoothly progressing and on track to claim all three points until Branthwaite secured a point for the home side in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
Despite the result, a standout performance was delivered by a Lilywhites player, apart from the Richarlison.
Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven’s exceptional outing received praise from reliable Spurs insider and correspondent Paul O’Keefe on his social media platform X.
He demonstrated exceptional performance with a 91% pass accuracy, 74 touches, 53 out of 58 passes completed, 6 duels won, 6 clearances, 4 ball recoveries, a 100% success rate in tackles, and a successful last man tackle.
Mickey van de Ven’s game by numbers vs. Everton:
91% pass accuracy
74 touches
53/58 passes completed
6 duels won
6 clearances
4 ball recoveries
3/3 tackles won
1 last man tackleRock at the back. 🪨 pic.twitter.com/q0gRiBEOnX
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 3, 2024
The 22-year-old has been world class since joining Spurs. The North Londoners signed him from Wolfsburg in the summer.
Van de Ven has consistently featured on the Lilywhites’ teamsheet, starting in all first 11 league games of the season until a hamstring injury sidelined him for two months. He returned last month against Manchester United and has regained his regular spot in the starting XI.
The defender has been gradually settling in and performing like before the injury. This is why Paul O’Keefe was quick to compliment the player, stating:
“The result yesterday somewhat overshadowed another incredible performance from Mickey van de Ven. Another imperious display. He’s 22 and plays Premier League football like he’s done it all his life and not the 6 months with 2 out injured. Majestic.”
The result yesterday somewhat overshadowed another incredible performance from Mickey van de Ven. Another imperious display. He's 22 and plays Premier League football like he's done it all his life and not the 6 months with 2 out injured. Majestic.
— Paul O Keefe (@pokeefe1) February 4, 2024
Certainly, Micky van de Ven displays a level of maturity at a young age that mirrors that of a Premier League veteran. Tottenham undoubtedly possesses a gem in their ranks, and it appears he will be a stalwart in safeguarding the backline for years.
