Micky van de Ven has admitted that he and Cristian Romero have already developed a very good understanding despite having played together for just seven matches.
Centre-backs usually tend to take six months to a year to get adjusted to the pace and intensity of the Premier League, and that is especially the case with young, inexperienced defenders.
However, Van de Ven has hit the ground running since his move to Tottenham in the summer and has proved the perfect foil for Romero.
The Dutchman has now revealed that the Argentine was quick to make him feel at home when he arrived at the club and remarked that he and his centre-back partner complement each other well.
When asked about his understanding with Romero, Van de Ven told Yahoo Sport: “I think it naturally happened on the pitch and we felt each other quite fast, but when I came he was also really nice to me and showed me ‘here is the kitchen and where you can get this’, so he was sitting with me and we talked a bit. It was really nice the first couple of days I was there, but also on the pitch it felt good.
“Of course, he won the World Cup, I saw him play the whole World Cup so I know his quality already. I think I know what Cuti’s (Romero’s) qualities are and Cuti knows what my qualities are, so we know what we expect from each other. I have his back and he has my back.
“Cuti is just an amazing player and I know when I run in one direction, he is in my back because he is always there. We just feel each other and of course, it is amazing when you have this as a centre-back duo.
“Of course, we are shouting to each other (in games) but it is not in a negative role or something. It is always positive. I think I make him maybe more calm and he makes me more aggressive. He will (always) be a more aggressive player and I am a more calm player, but it fits each other well.”
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 24: Micky van de Ven of Tottenham Hotspur controls the ball during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on September 24, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Van de Ven wants to be one of the best in the league
He said about Van Djik: “I think Virgil was the last couple of years and this year also one of the best defenders in the Premier League, for sure.
“The year they grabbed the title he was unbelievable and showed how important he is for Liverpool. He shows how important he is the last couple of years.
“Yeah, that is my ambition to be one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League and I will work hard for it to make it happen, but I just started so hopefully I can be there in I don’t know how many years.”
Spurs Web Opinion
The biggest compliment that I can give Van de Ven is that he actually seems like the senior partner compared to Romero. His temperament and the calmness that he exudes is rare for someone of his age and experience.
Have something to tell us about this article?
