Micky van de Ven Scouting Report

Micky van de Ven Scouting Report

Analyzing his fit in Ange Postecoglou's System

Micky van de Ven Scouting Report


Another of the THBN Scouting Reports, this time it's the Micky van de Ven Scouting Report. Today you'll discover with me the strengths, skills, and suitability of Micky van de Ven for Tottenham Hotspur under the guidance of new head coach Ange Postecoglou.

These scouting reports help us be better informed and gain insights into his playing style, impact on the team, and how he might thrive in Postecoglou's system.

The list of previous scouting reports (all open in a new window):

The list of similar players is interesting: 

Edmond Tapsoba (24)
Clément Lenglet (28 & who would be on high wages)
Milan Škriniar (28)
Cristian Romero (25)
Piero Hincapié (21)

Micky van de Ven Scouting Report

Micky van de Ven Scouting Report

Micky van de Ven, a highly promising center-back currently playing for VfL Wolfsburg in the German Bundesliga, is under the radar as a potential transfer target for many clubs. Not Spurs or Liverpool though so let's take a look at him.

This scouting report delves into his achievements, playing position, and notable statistics, highlighting the significance of recruiting suitable additions to enhance Tottenham's playing style under new head coach Ange Postecoglou.

Player Profile:

Micky van de Ven, a 22-year-old Dutch youth international, has been a standout performer in the 2022/23 Bundesliga season. Previously playing in the second tier of Dutch football he was brought up with the concept of total football.

He has seamlessly transitioned into Wolfsburg's defense, which boasts the 6th best defensive record in the league. When you keep in mind his partner was a 21 year old Piero Hincapié then that starts to look impressive.

Van de Ven primarily operates as a center-back but has occasionally featured at left-back.

Micky van de Ven Profile

Fit in Postecoglou's System:

Micky van de Ven possesses several key characteristics that make him an ideal fit for Ange Postecoglou's playing style. His physical attributes, such as his height, exceptional acceleration and top speed (has clocked a top speed of 35.87 km/h, which is impressive for a tall guy), all align well with the demands of a modern center-back.

Additionally, his ground game and shot-blocking abilities make him a valuable asset in defensive situations but you would think aerial improvement (only 51.5%) would be needed in the Premier League.

Skills and Abilities:

Van de Ven demonstrates impressive ball-carrying skills, utilizing his speed and physical presence to advance possession quickly. This is ideal for a Postecoglou system where centre-backs must be comfortable on the ball in all areas of the field.

His defensive strengths lie in delaying opposition attacks, employing expert defensive angles, and executing well-timed tackles. However, his progressive passing and front-footed defending are areas that require further development.

Impact on the Team:

Micky van de Ven's potential arrival at Tottenham Hotspur could see him compete for the Ben Davies/Clément Lenglet position last season. Lenglet will be available for a cheap transfer fee and has proven himself capable, but he is 28 and on high wages (his £145,000 a week is a part payment, the Frenchman is on £198,171 at Barcelona).

He has the skill set to complement Romero and his ball-playing ability would enhance our left-sided counterattacking capabilities. Additionally, he has leadership qualities and an on-field presence which could give the positive influence the squad, but particularly the defensive dynamics need.

Future Prospects:

While Micky van de Ven shows immense potential, there are areas of improvement to be addressed. His progressive passing and front-footed defending require further refinement to excel in Postecoglou's system. He has the height for an aerial game but German football is played along the floor so this is another area for development.

Micky van de Ven Scouting Report

Conclusion:

Micky van de Ven, with his physical attributes, defensive prowess, and potential for growth, could be a valuable addition to Tottenham Hotspur under Ange Postecoglou's system.

His playing style aligns well with the coach's philosophy, and he possesses the qualities to enhance the team's attacking patterns and defensive solidity.

While there are areas to be worked on as I have outlined, particularly aerially, the potential benefits he brings to the team make him an exciting prospect.

Fans won't want to hear it but with development, his resale value could go up considerably, while remaining on manageable wages.

Q&A Section: Assessing Micky van de Ven's Fit in Ange Postecoglou's System

  1. Can Micky van de Ven contribute to the pressing and high-intensity defensive approach favored by Postecoglou?

  1. Micky van de Ven's ability to delay opposition attacks and his intelligent defensive positioning make him well-suited to contribute to Postecoglou's pressing tactics. While he may need to work on being a more proactive defender and pushing into midfield to regain possession, his pace and defensive instincts offer the potential to excel in a high-intensity defensive system.

  1. What are the potential challenges or areas of improvement for Micky van de Ven in adjusting to Postecoglou's system?

  1. Micky van de Ven's progressive passing and front-footed defending are areas that need improvement to fully adapt to Postecoglou's system. Enhancing his passing range and decision-making in possession would allow him to contribute more effectively to the team's ball progression.

  2. Additionally, working on his timing and positioning when defending in a high line would be crucial for his development. Finally using his height to win aerial duels instead of unsettling the striker and letting the ball bounce.

  1. How might Micky van de Ven's leadership qualities or on-field presence positively influence the team's performance?

  1. Despite his young age, Micky van de Ven has displayed signs of leadership on the field. His ability to disrupt opposition attacks, make decisive tackles, and communicate with teammates bodes well for inspiring confidence in others and solidifying our overall defensive organization.

  1. In what ways can Micky van de Ven contribute to the team's long-term objectives and ambitions under Postecoglou?

  1. Micky van de Ven's potential, combined with his physical attributes and defensive abilities, make him an exciting prospect for Tottenham's long-term objectives.

  2. I say this in every scouting report, but it's so very true and not always achieved, that with the proper development (which includes game time) faith (Postecoglou has consistently put faith in youth) and guidance, he has the potential to become a key figure.

  1. Are there any specific aspects of Micky van de Ven's game that could be further developed or refined to excel in Postecoglou's system?

  1. Micky van de Ven's progressive passing and front-footed defending are the areas that require further refinement to excel in Postecoglou's system. Improving his passing accuracy, range, and decision-making would allow him to contribute more effectively to the team's build-up play. Additionally, working on his defensive positioning and timing in a high line would help maximize his potential as a proactive defender.

  2. The main issue I have with van de Ven is his aerial playing style (or lack of it). He tends to let the ball bounce, preferring to unsettle the striker, which is unusual given his height, he's 6ft 4 in.

  3. Would that be a problem in the Premier League? Surely the aerial ability is dormant there? Of course, that means there is huge potential for development and an increase in player value.

    Have a nice day.

    COYS

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