Micky van de Ven produces an incredible last-ditch recovery tackle to deny Achraf Hakimi a certain goal in the Netherlands vs Morocco Round of 32 clash.
Van de Ven is known for perfectly timed, high-speed recoveries rather than reckless challenges. He’s averaged around 1.3 tackles per game in his career, often winning the ball cleanly due to his recovery speed.
The Tottenham defender's pace and timing were simply world-class as he stopped the Moroccan star from opening the scoring.
Earlier in the 2025/26 season, Micky was involved in a more controversial sliding challenge on Liverpool’s Alexander Isak. That challenge caused a fractured leg and sparked debate over whether it was reckless or a desperate block attempt. However, Jamie Carragher defended it as not being malicious.
It denied Achraf Hakimia clear goal-scoring opportunity, showcasing his elite pace, composure, and timing. Hakimi immediately showed respect afterwards.
This moment has gone viral, with praise like Rio Ferdinand calling it “elite defending”, a defining, game-changing challenge that highlights why Van de Ven is one of the fastest and most reliable centre-backs around.
Rio Ferdinand gushed over the work:
“That is elite defending. Everyone will talk about the goals after the game, but moments like that can be just as decisive. Van de Ven has shown unbelievable pace to recover, stayed composed, and timed the tackle to perfection.
You simply cannot teach that kind of recovery. It takes courage, concentration and complete confidence in your ability. One mistake there and it's almost certainly a goal.”
My take
Van de Ven has his best years ahead of him. Under previous Tottenham coaches, he has been driven out of his mind, and who might blame him?
The best news that could come out of Tottenham is that he is willing to commit to a new deal to give De Zerbi something to work with.
Micky van de Ven is under contract until 30 June 2029, after signing a 6-year deal with Spurs in August 2023 upon his transfer from VfL Wolfsburg.
According to Capology, the Dutchman has roughly 3 years left as of mid-2026, with an average annual salary around £90k/week or $4.68m USD (roughly £18.72m gross remaining.
More, please.
