Dutch media slams 'nervous' Micky van de Ven after latest Netherlands performance
Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven has been criticised for his performance in the Netherlands' 2-1 win against Uzbekistan.
The Spurs star started at left-back as Ronald Koeman’s side emerged with a late win in their final friendly before the World Cup.
Van de Ven endured a tough campaign at Spurs as they battled against relegation, but could well be a key man for his country this summer.
The 25-year-old looks to have established himself as Koeman’s first choice on the left of a back four, as opposed to his usual centre-back position.
Van de Ven could be involved in Tottenham’s transfer plans as several clubs eye a move, but first, Football Insider have looked at some opinions from the Netherlands on how he played against the World Cup debutants.
They are heading to the World Cup ranked seventh in the world by FIFA, but do face some tough tests in Group F against Japan, Sweden and Tunisia.
Koeman’s side saw their 14-game unbeaten streak end against Algeria last week, but returned to winning ways against Uzbekistan as Cody Gakpo bagged a brace from the penalty spot.
Dutch media slam Micky van de Ven for tricky moments vs Uzbekistan
Dutch outlet Voetbal Flitsen picked up on a mistake that Van de Ven made inside the first few minutes of the behind-closed-doors clash in New York.
They wrote: "A nervous moment for Van de Ven Against the backdrop of the Manhattan skyline, but with no fans in the stands at the small Icahn Stadium, the Netherlands started the match in dominant fashion.
"After just two minutes, Micky van de Ven lost possession in a dangerous area, but Uzbekistan failed to capitalise on the counter-attacking opportunity. The Dutch then quickly took control."
Gakpo fired the Oranje ahead in the 32nd minute, but Igor Sergeev equalised in added time and Van de Ven's involvement in the goal was questioned.
Voetbal Primeur handed him a 5.5 rating and said: "He made a slight mistake in the opening minute, but Van de Ven made amends and dominated his direct opponent(s) in every aspect of the game. However, he was marking on the wrong side when the late equaliser was scored. Van de Ven could also contribute more in attack."
While Soccer News gave him the same rating and wrote: "Solid in defence before half-time. Involved in attack, but nothing special. His crosses too often failed to find a teammate. He didn’t look good when Uzbekistan equalised."
Van de Ven's blushes were spared as Gakpo won it from the spot in the 98th minute after Jan-Paul van Hecke was pulled down in the area by Abdukodir Khusanov.
What is the latest on Van de Ven's future at Spurs?
Spurs are set to lose a few key players this summer following a dismal 2025-26 season that nearly saw them relegated from the Premier League.
Van de Ven could be one of those moving on, with his impressive aerial and physical traits making him a prime target for top sides.
He has been a regular at the top level for several seasons now and clearly has the potential to go on to even bigger things.
Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Tottenham are reluctant to let him leave as Liverpool accelerate a move to sign Van de Ven in the coming weeks.
Spurs are set to bring in numerous new defensive additions as a result, with fellow Netherlands star Jan-Paul van Hecke looking set to leave Brighton for North London in his place.